Where does Duke basketball stand among Charles Bediako’s remaining suitors?
There’s no telling when Duke basketball target Charles Bediako will choose a college. But the 6-foot-11, 225-pound five-star, who transferred from Andrews Osborne (Ohio) to IMG (Fla.) for his senior year and ranks No. 23 overall on the 247Sports 2021 Composite, did advance the race on Saturday by naming his top five via Tipton Edits: Alabama, Duke, Michigan, Ohio State, and Texas.
Dwayne Washington, who as the founder of the UPlay Canada grassroots program saw Bediako enter the spotlight while shining among his fellow Canadian stars, recently explained to 247Sports insider Eric Bossi what the big man has to offer and what he’s seeking in a destination:
“What’s going to be most important to him is his ability to develop as a forward, a big forward that can run the floor. The style of play, the opportunity to play early, and also the coaching staff, and how they work with him, will be important…He wants to find a niche and show his talent, which is being a great teammate, blocking shots, rebounding, making midrange shots.”
So how many of the finalists have a reasonable shot to land Bediako? And how do they all stack up? We’ll look for answers by peeking at 1) what the 18-year-old has said about the programs, 2) their 2021 pledges to date, 3) their expected needs at his position after this season, and 4) where their pursuits may stand. Let’s start with the biggest underdog…
Ranking final five for Duke basketball target Charles Bediako: Longhorns
What Charles Bediako said to Tipton Edits about Texas: “I like the play style and the use of bigs. Texas has had success with similar players.”
Texas’ 2021 commits so far (composite ranking):
- Four-star combo guard Emarion Ellis (No. 90)
- Four-star shooting guard Tamar Bates (No. 109)
- Four-star power forward David Joplin (No. 118)
- Three-star power forward Keeyan Itejere (No. 260)
Texas’ probable departures in or near the post:
- Freshman forward Greg Brown
- Senior forward Jericho Sims
- Senior forward Royce Hamm Jr.
Texas’ pros and cons for Charles Bediako: Sure, the Longhorns figure to lose two significant post pieces in senior Jericho Sims and freshman phenom Greg Brown. However, Shaka Smart, whose job security isn’t ideal with 78 losses across only five seasons coaching Texas, already snagged a four-star big in David Joplin and seems more focused on adding five-star power forward Daimion Collins. Furthermore, several promising underclassmen would compete with Bediako for minutes.
What’s the chance Charles Bediako picks Texas? Five percent
Ranking final five for Duke basketball target Charles Bediako: Blue Devils
What Charles Bediako said to Tipton Edits about Duke basketball: “Duke has a great program and culture; the coaching staff is great and the school itself is high on academics. They also have a one of a kind atmosphere with fans.”
Duke’s 2021 commits so far (composite ranking):
- Five-star power forward Paolo Banchero (No. 3)
- Five-star small forward AJ Griffin (No. 6)
Duke’s probable departures in or near the post:
- Sophomore forward Matthew Hurt
- Senior forward Patrick Tape
Duke’s pros and cons for Charles Bediako: Barring an NBA-caliber season from the lowest-ranked five-star on the 247Sports 2020 Composite, center Mark Williams, Duke likely wouldn’t have an immediate starting job for Bediako. Even if Williams bolts, which we may not know until after Bediako’s decision, Paolo Banchero could easily man the five-spot. Yet if the staff in Durham feels a need to ramp up its pursuit, its superb reputation with bigs in recent years could be helpful.
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What’s the chance Charles Bediako picks Duke basketball? Seven percent
Ranking final five for Duke basketball target Charles Bediako: Wolverines
What Charles Bediako said to Tipton Edits about Michigan: “They have a great coaching staff and academics. Coach Howard played the same position as me and could add to my development.”
Michigan’s 2021 commits so far (composite ranking):
- Four-star point guard Frankie Collins (No. 60)
- Four-star shooting guard Kobe Bufkin (No. 65)
- Four-star small forward Isaiah Barnes (No. 121)
- Three-star power forward Will Tschetter (No. 154)
Michigan’s probable departures in or near the post:
- Senior forward Isaiah Livers
Michigan’s pros and cons for Charles Bediako: Michigan would be higher here if freshman giant Hunter Dickinson was a lock to turn pro after this season. But he’s not; in fact, it’s more likely that he won’t. Also, while it’s true that high-profile post prospects frequently speak kindly about Juwan Howard these days, the second-year head coach still hasn’t reeled in a five-star. Besides, the Wolverines may be spending more time chasing five-star 2021 center Efton Reid than Bediako.
What’s the chance Charles Bediako picks Michigan? Eight percent
Ranking final five for Duke basketball target Charles Bediako: Buckeyes
What Charles Bediako said to Tipton Edits about Ohio State: “One of my former teammates plays there. They’ve done a great job recruiting, and they were one of my first offers.”
Ohio State’s 2021 commits so far (composite ranking):
- Four-star shooting guard Malaki Branham (No. 28)
- Four-star point guard Meechie Johnson (No. 77)
- Four-star power forward Kalen Etzler (No. 100)
Ohio State’s probable departures in or near the post:
- Senior forward Kyle Young
- Senior forward Seth Towns
Ohio State’s pros and cons for Charles Bediako: The center position is certainly a 2021 priority for Ohio State. And UPlay Canada CEO Dwayne Washington told Eric Bossi of 247Sports that the Buckeyes have “been on [Bediako] early and hard and have shown him a lot of great attention…and at that school, he feels like he would be the only one who does what he does and that he could be special.” But the buzz just isn’t nearly as loud as it is for the consensus favorite…
What’s the chance Charles Bediako picks Ohio State? 10 percent
Ranking final five for Duke basketball target Charles Bediako: Crimson Tide
What Charles Bediako said to Tipton Edits about Alabama: “They have a great coaching staff and are doing a great job with building a relationship with me, and they play at a fast pace. I Like the roster. They’ve got great guys down there. I wouldn’t mind playing with them.”
Alabama’s 2021 commits so far (composite ranking):
- Five-star point guard JD Davison (No. 9)
- Four-star small forward Jusaun Holt (No. 124)
Alabama’s probable departures in or near the post:
- Senior forward Alex Reese
- Senior forward Jordan Bruner
Alabama’s pros and cons for Charles Bediako: Four-star 2020 power forward Alex Tchikou could develop into a competitor to Bediako for a starting gig down low, but Alabama has everything else working in its favor. Freshmen Josh Primo and Keon Ambrose-Hylton are Bediako’s former teammates. And on top of landing the top 2021 point guard in speedy creator JD Davison, Nate Oats coaches an up-tempo style that would highlight Bediako’s ability to outsprint most big men.
Finally, Oats and his gang appear to have made Bediako a priority from Day One. All in all, it’s no wonder at all that every prediction entered in either the 247Sports Crystal Ball or Rivals FutureCast thus far points to Bediako winding up in Tuscaloosa.
What’s the chance Charles Bediako picks Alabama? 70 percent
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