The Duke men's basketball staff spent some time on the road scoping out prospects during the City of Palms Invitational before the Christmas break. Here are highlights from three future Blue Devils in DJ Stewart, AJ Griffin, and Mark Williams from our friends at Courtside Films.
DURHAM, N.C. – Duke men's basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski has announced the signing of six future Blue Devils during the NCAA's early-signing period. The class is ranked No. 2 according to ESPN, which would give Duke's signing classes a top-two ranking in each of the last seven seasons.
Jaemyn Brakefield, Henry Coleman III, Jalen Johnson, Jeremy Roach, D.J. Steward and Mark Williams will enter the Duke program for the 2020-21 season. Duke's previous top-ranked classes in the ESPN 100 came in 2014, 2015, 2017 and 2018, while the 2016 and 2019 classes were ranked No. 2.
Jaemyn Brakefield – 6-8 – 215 – Forward – Jackson, Miss. – Huntington Prep (W.Va.)
Henry Coleman III – 6-7 – 210 – Forward – Richmond, Va. – Trinity Episcopal School
Jalen Johnson – 6-8 – 215 – Forward – Glendale, Wisc. – IMG Academy (Fla.)
Jeremy Roach – 6-2 – 180 – Guard – Leesburg, Va. – Paul VI HS
D.J. Steward – 6-3 – 175 – Guard – Chicago, Ill. – Whitney Young HS
Mark Williams – 7-0 – 230 – Center – Norfolk, Va. – IMG Academy (Fla.)
The Duke basketball staff will entertain DJ Steward this weekend for his official visit. The Blue Devils have been heavily involved with the dual guard since this summer.
Steward is a Chicago native and that, of course, is where head coach Mike Krzyzewski is from. The Blue Devils staff flew up to visit the star guard earlier this week.
Steward hoops for Whitney Young High School which produced Duke alum Jahlil Okafor.
It is no secret that Steward has been a focus of the Blue Devils staff and they are now moving quickly to state their case. This will be the Stewart's family first visit to campus.
Steward most recently visited Texas and many have said Louisville has been all-in on him of late. Both Duke and Louisville visited Chicago this week, but the Blue Devils have moved fast to get him on campus and show him how they envision his use should he become a part of the brotherhood.
Duke continues it's busy September and most recently hosted Henry Coleman and Walker Kessler as they try to round out their class. The Blue Devils will also host Mark Williams soon as they zero in on their prospects of choice.
For more on Steward and how we think this recruitment will play out, join Blue Devil Nation during our 60.00 for one-year special. We give you a straight forward take without the fluff on recruiting and views on the team.
If you haven't noticed already, Septemeber is a big recruiting month for Duke Basketball. Last weekend, the Blue Devils entertained Virginia power forward Henry Coleman.
This weekend, Duke will host top-rated big man and long-time target Walker Kessler. The 6-10 prospect plays for Woodburn Academy in Fairburn, Georgia.
The Blue Devils have had the Kessler family on campus before but this time they hope to close the deal on a much-needed body.
Duke is expected to lose almost all of their frontcourt players after this coming season and there is a need for multiple prospects who can anchor the baseline.
The Blue Devils have already secured the services of Jalen Johnson and Jeremy Roach, but the desire is to land commitments from several more players.
Duke will entertain Virginia big man Mark Williams in November. He's the brother of former Duke standout Elizabeth Williams. The fast-rising big man will be playing alongside Jalen Johnson after transferring to IMG Academy.
The Blue Devils are in the process of setting up a visit with Chicago scorer DJ Steward. Duke is all in on Steward who has been getting several offers since early summer.
Duke has also entered the Ziaire Williams race to stay which we mentioned a few weeks back to Blue Devil Nation members. That said, join Blue Devil Nation Premium during our 60 bucks for one year special and get straight talk on where we think Duke stands with the aforementioned recruits.
While the players listed head the list, there are some other possibilities which could come into play. But make no mistake, Duke wants every prospect on this shortlist of players they want to become a part of the brotherhood.
After his impressive performances at the Nike Peach Jam, Duke has offered DJ Steward. Duke Coach Mike Krzyzewski extended an offer after watching him with assistants, Jon Scheyer, and Nate James during the last two days of the event.
Steward is a 6-3 combo guard with a natural knack for scoring. The fast-rising young star scored 31 points, dished out 5 assists while pulling down 12 rebounds while the Duke staff watched his game against a stacked AOC team and an offer came within hours after the performance.
The Chicago native is making a name for himself by playing high-level basketball, showing grit and determination to make himself better.
To give you an idea of his ascent up the rankings, Steward originally was ranked as the 103rd best player and is now tabbed as high as 27. By weeks end, he will be in the teens in adjusted rankings per reliable sources.
Steward was on the Duke radar prior to the Peach Jam where the Blue Devils staff sent word they would watch him. Needless to say, he impressed the longtime Duke coach, Mike Krzyzewski enough to move fast to get into the expanding picture.
Duke will now try to set up a visit in the future for Steward and he will hear from Krzyzewski as he is likely to take his time and go on his allotted five official visits.
Only time will tell whether Duke gets one of those visits, but the feeling her is they should as the relationship develops. It is worth noting he has played for Whitney Young High School which is the alma mater of former Blue Devil and current New Orlean Pelican center Jahlil Okafor.
Very Blessed and grateful to have received an offer from Coach K and Duke University! #Thebrotherhood👀🔵 pic.twitter.com/iAvs07L3iv
— DJ Steward (@swipasnipa) July 13, 2019
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