Duke basketball recruiting prospect Jai Smith
Again, Word of God (N.C.) three-star big man Jai Smith is apparently in the process of planning an official trip to the Durham campus. That said, the 6-foot-10, 235-pound improving post presence, who now sits No. 146 overall on the 247Sports 2022 Composite with more than 40 offers to his name, did not specify to Jason Jordan of SI what dates he’s eyeing for the Duke basketball visit.
Meanwhile, Smith did express shock from hearing the Mike Krzyzewski news:
“I don’t think we ever thought Coach K wouldn’t be at Duke. Man, that’s pretty crazy. He’s such a legend. It’s just hard to believe because he’s been there forever.”
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As for what Smith intends to tell Krzyzewski when they eventually see each other, the rising high school senior jokingly said the following:
“I think I’m gonna say, ‘Please, don’t retire!'”
Smith then, like the other Duke basketball prospects before him here, exhibited a confident outlook and friendly vibes when it comes to dealing directly with Jon Scheyer and, in particular, Nolan Smith:
“No, but even though it will feel different and it’s somewhat of a letdown to know I can’t play for [Coach K], it doesn’t make me not want to go there. All of his captains are there. Nolan Smith is my guy. I’m very comfortable with him. I know Coach Scheyer is a great coach too.”
Now, assuming these recruits are telling the truth regarding their feelings about the Duke basketball coaches to remain, chances are Jon Scheyer & Co. will soon land some 2022 prize.