Duke basketball: Predicting landing spot for No. 1 recruit

Examining finalists for Duke basketball target Jonathan Kuminga: TEXAS TECH

Like Auburn, Texas Tech is an emerging college hoops power that reached the most recent Final Four. Like Auburn, Texas Tech has seen its recent success on the court trickle into its efforts on the recruiting trail (the Red Raiders hold the nation’s No. 9 class in 2020 and have already snagged one four-star for 2021). And like Auburn, Texas Tech is putting in the work to stay a true contender in the race for Jonathan Kuminga all the way to the finish line.

Of course, one tidbit working in the favor of Chris Beard and his staff is the fact that Kuminga’s older brother, small forward Joel Ntambwe, has already been in Lubbock for a year after transferring from UNLV, where he spent only one season. In other words, the duo could team up next season should Kuminga reclassify, or they could be on the same floor together for the 2021-22 season should Kuminga hold off on his high school graduation.

Also, according to Adam Zagoria, Beard’s top 2020 signee, combo guard Nimari Burnett, who boasts a No. 32 composite ranking, has been actively recruiting Kuminga to help the Red Raiders in their quest to reach April once again.

Currently, Texas Tech holds the only “college pick” inside the 247Sports Crystal Ball. And taking into account all of the above connections, on top of the observation that Beard is quickly becoming a proven entity in terms of producing NBA players, it’s a surprise there aren’t a couple of more predictions pegging Kuminga as a Red Raider.