The rumors regarding Duke basketball’s three remaining 2021 targets
By Matt Giles
The latest on Duke basketball recruiting target Charles Bediako
Yes, the Duke basketball program stands to lose all but one or two of its post players following the 2020-21 season. Nevertheless, the thought among most fans and analysts is that, if need be, Paolo Banchero will easily hold down the five-spot in Durham during what will likely be his lone season in college before turning pro.
Plus, as Travis Branham of 247Sports recently opined, the Blue Devils come across as primarily focused on their pursuits of the other two coveted players on their offer sheet and aren’t acting as if they are at all desperate for more big men:
“They also have another outstanding offer out to Charles Bediako, but the Blue Devils have not gone ‘all-in’…[247Sports Crystal Ball leader] Alabama appears to be the leader for the Canadian.”
This week, Dan McDonald of Rivals seemed to subscribe to the same sentiment with regards to Duke’s tapering interest in the 6-foot-11, 225-pound center. But McDonald did name another growing recruiting power to watch out for as Bediako, who ranks No. 23 overall on the 247Sports 2021 Composite, appears to creep up on a commitment date:
“Bediako put out a top five that included Alabama, Duke, Michigan, Ohio State, and Texas last month. Alabama and Michigan are both strong here. A decision could be made sooner than later…”
Predicted landing spot for Charles Bediako: Alabama