Duke basketball: Predicting the next recruit to commit to Blue Devils
By Matt Giles
When will Duke basketball target Patrick Baldwin Jr. make up his mind?
THE FINALISTS: Though Patrick Baldwin Jr. noted a few months ago that he may again eliminate some suitors before ultimately advertising his college choice, he hasn’t done so yet. The 6-foot-10, 205-pound sharpshooting phenom’s list still consists of Duke, Georgetown, Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, Northwestern, UCLA, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
SCOUTING REPORT (from NBA Draft Room): “Baldwin is a big wing/forward who excels at shooting the rock. He’s got such a smooth game for a player his size…deft ball-handling ability and a lethal jump shot. He’s not the most explosive athlete you’ll ever see, but he’s got great size, good strength, and more than enough agility/quickness to hold his own at the highest levels of competition. With shooting at a premium, Baldwin is a tailor-made modern-day stretch-four.”
INSIDER TAKE (from Eric Bossi of 247Sports): “Though Baldwin cut his list down to 10 some time ago, there are only a few programs out there with a realistic shot of landing him…There is a chance that he could decide in time for the early signing period but recently indicated his choice will come within a month or two after the 11th. The most likely options for Baldwin at this point appear to be either Duke or playing for his father at Milwaukee.”
PREDICTION: Patrick Baldwin Jr., who has held a Blue Devil offer for almost 30 months now, won’t decide on a winner any earlier than his 18th birthday on Nov. 18. Yet no matter when his decision day does arrive, Duke basketball fans will be left smiling.