Duke basketball: Ranking the 5 finalists for JJ Starling
By Matt Giles
5. Stanford
JJ Starling has made clear that he values academics. Heck, he accomplished that just by placing such prestigious universities in his final five.
Undoubtedly, as Starling told On3 recruiting insider Joe Tipton, Stanford fits that description:
“As we all know, that’s a great academic spot — one of the best universities in the world for education. My parents and I both harp on education and knowing that it’s bigger than basketball. That spot is great to have that mindset. They really represent what I stand for.”
Starling continued:
“They talk a lot about academics because they want you to know what you’ll be in for. Stanford is not just another college. The workload is going to be crazy. At the same time, they talk about basketball too and say how I’ll be paired with a great group of guys and how I’ll be able to come in and play my game and do what I do best.”
Yet Stanford is a long way from home. And even though Starling has taken an official visit there, sixth-year Cardinal head coach Jerod Haase and his gang are not among those on the calendar to host the coveted sniper this month.
That’s not a great sign for their chances.