This weekend, Duke looks to add post depth when super Siberian big man Alexander "Sasha" Kaun visits the campus.
Kaun, a 6-foot-11 senior center, will choose between Duke and Kansas "as soon as possible," according to his head coach Aubin Goporo.
"If it's up to me I want [Kaun] to make that decision on Tuesday," Goporo said in a Thursday interview with The Chronicle. "I'm not going to drag this."
The Tomsk, Russia native has never been to Tobacco Road, and as yet has no favorite, according to Goporo.
"Everything is fifty-fifty," Goporo said. "He will visit Duke and compare [the two schools]."
Kaun's rise to prominence is staggering. As a sophomore, the talented Siberian only averaged six minutes a game. Since then, however, Kaun has gained an inch and 60 pounds and has morphed into one of the nation's premier big men in the class of 2004.
"I give him all of the credit," Goporo said. "The kid works hard...he deserves it. Not only is the kid smart but he's also a great basketball player."
The gifted big man is still considered one of the top five center prospects in the country despite a stress fracture in his foot that kept him sidelined for most of the summer. Goporo is now easing Kaun back onto the court.
"I'm taking my time slowly so [Kaun] can rebuild," Goporo said, adding "[Kaun] just cannot wait to get back on the floor right now." As a junior last year, Kaun averaged 13 points, eight rebounds and two blocks per game for Florida Air Academy in Melbourne, Fla. His statistics, however, are somewhat misleading.
"You have to understand...that when we play the game he is the focus of the defense," Goporo said, adding that the team's defensive style of play and guard-oriented offense may also have prevented Kaun from putting up bigger numbers.
According to Goporo, Kaun is especially noted for his shot-blocking and post-up ability, but added that the talented big man could also shoot three pointers if needed.
Equally adept in the classroom as he is on the basketball court, Kaun also sports a 4.0 GPA and wants to major in computer science, according to Goporo.
Both Kaun and Goporo stressed that in addition to education and playing time, the Russian's comfort level would play a significant factor in his impending college decision.
"I want to see how the players get along together [at Duke]," Kaun told The Chronicle several weeks ago. "It's very important to be together and have fun."
Until recently the Russian big man had Michigan State on his list; however, Kaun dropped the school shortly after making his official visit. Coach Goporo cited playing time and playing style as major reasons for nixing Tom Izzo, but says the decision was made out of practical concerns.
"There's nothing wrong with Michigan State," Goporo said. "[Kaun] loves Michigan State very much, but he has to pick one school."
One thing is certain, though: No matter who wins this epic recruiting battle, Kaun will come out as the big winner.
"Duke or Kansas is perfect for him," Goporo said. "If you want my opinion, he just can't go wrong."
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