Did Duke basketball just miss giant opportunity on recruiting trail?

A center who looked set for a Duke basketball offer is now set to announce.

From all accounts but for reasons unknown, Duke basketball head coach Mike Krzyzewski and his cohorts have backed off their recruitment of George Harris Prep (Ont.) big man Enoch Boakye the past several months. This is after they showed significant interest in the 2022 four-star — at least scouting-wise — during the first half of the 2019-20 season.

In fact, at one time, the Mississauga native — same hometown as former Duke one-and-done RJ Barrett — appeared to potentially be a part of the solution to what is presently a projected scarcity of post presences on upcoming rosters in Durham. Nevertheless, Boakye’s name wasn’t among those who have reported hearing from Coach K & Co. ever since programs could begin directly contacting rising juniors in June.

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Now, unless the Duke staff is covertly chasing the 6-foot-10, 240-pound bruiser, it’s probably too late to officially enter the race. Boakye, who ranks No. 20 on the 2022 Top247 and displays a similar style to the 2020 NABC National Freshman of the Year for the Blue Devils in pro-bound Vernon Carey Jr., told Tipton Edits on Monday that he intends to unveil his college choice on July 28.

Yup, that’s roughly a week away. Sure, Coach K has swooped in at the last second to swipe top talent from other powerhouse recruiting teams. However, it just doesn’t feel like one of those instances when it comes to Boakye.

Though Boakye hasn’t named finalists and remained open to new suitors the past few weeks while even recently making mention of the one-time Duke interest, a pair of tweets from Rivals insider Corey Evans — not to mention how the 247Sports Crystal Ball reads — point to Michigan State soon getting richer:

What are the Duke basketball recruiters thinking in terms of big men?

IMG (Fla.) five-star Charles Bediako, who isn’t seen as a likely Duke signee, is the lone 2021 center with a Blue Devil offer. Add to that the fact Coach K’s 2022 offer sheet remains blank despite several of the top 30 on the 247Sports 2022 Composite already being committed.

Granted, Duke’s proven recruiting masterminds must have some plan in mind to fill their future paint needs. It’s just not yet at all clear what that plan entails.

Stay tuned to Ball Durham for more Duke basketball recruiting news and views.