Ranking Duke basketball’s 14 recruiting prospects from 2023 class

2. Duke basketball recruiting prospect Simeon Wilcher

• Point guard
• 6-foot-5, 165 pounds
• No. 8 overall on the 247Sports 2023 Composite

Roselle (N.J.) five-star point guard Simeon Wilcher heard from the Duke basketball staff on Tuesday as well. Naturally, though, the Blue Devils aren’t the only ones showing interest in the lightning, dynamic floor general.

No, per Travis Branham of 247Sports, Wilcher’s list of contacts on the first day alone also consisted of Arizona State, Auburn, Boston College, Creighton, George Washington, Kentucky, LSU, Memphis, Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio State, Pitt, Seton Hall, UConn, and Virginia.

His in-your-face competitiveness should be attractive to any coach. Furthermore, the bounce to Wilcher’s step and the leadership in his voice ought to have him in the conversation as the best point guard in the class. However, some recruiting sites list him as a combo or shooting guard.

Before his sophomore season, Wilcher told 247Sports that he was hoping to hear from the Blue Devils at some point.

Wish granted.

Also during that interview, Wilcher described his own game and primary focus, which should all be extra appealing to the staff in Durham:

"“I take pride in defense. Something my dad always tells me is if I work on the defensive side, then it will work for me on the offensive side…always defense first. Then I take care of the offensive side. I like to play inside the lane. I can shoot it really well, but my game is to drive and kick, play defense, and make sure my teammates and myself get the right shots.”"

Basically, Wilcher’s self-description aligns with a quintessential Duke basketball point guard, especially when factoring in his New Jersey roots.