Let's start this week with the Blue Devils latest offer to a prospect in the Class of 2016. Forward Wenyen Gabriel became the latest junior to hold an offer from the reigning national champions and took to Twitter to express his gratitude.
The 6-foot-9 power forward is the 84th-ranked recruit in the 2016 ESPN 100. Although the Wilbraham, Mass., native's low ranking may surprise some, Gabriel has been praised on the AAU circuit as one of the most improved players this summer and his ranking is likely to rise over time.
Moreover, Gabriel is likely a four-year player which could allow him to contribute as a seasoned veteran later in his Duke career. Although signing the one-and-done's— such as Jabari Parker and Jahlil Okafor—has proven to be key to building a competitive team, having veteran players is also critical to success. According to the 247Sports Crystal Ball, the Blue Devils are heavy favorites to land Gabriel despite just offering the four-star prospect Monday.
Gabriel was in action this weekend at the Adidas Uprising in Las Vegas and turned in strong performances as led his Mass Rivals team in points and rebounds per game. The power forward averaged 17.4 points and added 8.6 rebounds and helped carry his team all the way to the championship.
2016 point guard target Frank Jackson was also in Las Vegas for the weekend and averaged 18.8 points, 3.3 boards and 1.5 assists per game for the Utah Prospects—who dropped three of their four contests in the tournament.
Fellow Duke targets Jayson Tatum and Harry Giles were also in action in Las Vegas, but took part in The 8 AAU tournament. Giles and Team CP3 had a good weekend but were bounced in the semifinals, while Tatum and fellow top 2016 recruit Malik Monk led the Arkansas Wings to the title.
Giles also took time to talk about his recruitment and friendship with Tatum. In an interview with Evan Daniels of Scout.com, the five-star prospect pointed out the things he likes most about the Blue Devil program.
“Coach K is a legendary coach, great guy. I have a great relationship with the coaching staff. It’s at home as well so you can never go wrong staying at home. And they’re just legendary, they produce a lot of pros. The players got a relationship with the coach after they leave Duke.”
The power forward also gave his take on how Tatum's commitment to Duke could factor into his decision
“I mean, that’s my best friend, So it’s going to impact me a little bit, but at the same time I have to make the best decision for me. Regardless if he went to Duke or not, if he didn’t go there, I would still consider Duke just as much. At the same time, I have to make the right decision for me. If the right decision is we are both at the same school, it is what it is.”
Looking ahead to the Class of 2017, five-star prospect Wendell Carter had another great weekend on the court. Carter led the Georgia Stars to another summer title at the Bigfoot Hoops Las Vegas Classic. Guards Trae Young and Michael Porter Jr. also turned in solid performances on the court as they lead their team MoKan Elite to the Kansas City Harwood Classic title.
Last but certainly not least, the Blue Devils extended an offer to Class of 2017 recruit Mohamed Bamba. The 6-foot-11 center from is currently ranked No. 10 in the 2017 ESPN 60. The Harlem, N.Y., native is touted as a skilled post player and currently holds offers from powerhouse programs such as Kentucky, Connecticut, Indiana and Arizona. According to the 247Sports Crystal Ball, Duke currently holds a 62 percent chance of reeling in the talented big man with Kentucky in second at 38 percent.
That’s all for this week’s roundup. Be sure to stay with the Blue Zone for all your recruiting news.
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