With the addition of five-star combo guard D.J. Steward, the Blue Devils now have the No. 2 recruiting class in the nation for next year according to 247Sports. Steward verbally committed to Duke on Wednesday, joining Jalen Johnson and Jeremy Roach in the Blue Devils’ class of 2020. The Blue Zone takes a look at next year’s commits, and who might join them soon:
D.J. Steward (No. 26, CG)
6’3 / 165 lbs.
Three days was all it took for the Whitney Young High School prospect to commit to Duke following his visit to campus on Sunday. Steward officially landed on the Blue Devils' radar after an impressive showing at the Nike EYBL circuit in July. At the circuit’s Peach Jam, he confidently displayed his signature qualities—a consistent 3-point shot, the ability to make tough shots in the lane and the ability to play on either end of the floor. Steward’s presence is valuable in Duke’s already-solid backcourt.
Jeremy Roach (No. 20, PG)
6’2 / 180 lbs.
Jeremy Roach was the first of the three recruits to join Duke basketball, making his commitment back in May. The point guard out of Paul VI High School chose the Blue Devils over schools such as Kentucky, North Carolina and Villanova. Roach—who his high school coach called a "pure point guard" to the Washington Post—is known for his athleticism and high basketball IQ, which will further diversify the skillset of the Duke backcourt.
Jalen Johnson (No. 6, SF)
6’8 / 215 lbs.
The highest ranked of the three current recruits is Jalen Johnson, a small forward who is reminiscent of Paul George. The IMG Academy prospect is a guard in a forward’s body, with great ball skills and high-level court vision. If he’s able to polish his footwork and become a more consistent defender under Coach K, Johnson may very well join many former Duke basketball players as an NBA lottery pick.
Who to Look For:
Keep an eye out for the following recruits, all of whom are top targets for the Blue Devils:
Henry Coleman III (No. 40, PF)
6’6 / 210 lbs.
Senior Henry Coleman III is a tough, physical player that excels at rebounding and scoring in the post. The combo forward for Trinity Episcopal School has announced his top five schools: Duke, N.C. State, Virginia Tech, Michigan and Ohio State. He will announce his commitment on Friday, Sept. 27 at 3:30.
Paolo Banchero (No. 3, PF) *Class of 2021
6’9 / 235 lbs.
Five-star power forward Paolo Banchero is a strong rebounding forward/center in the class of 2021. A Seattle native, Banchero is seriously considering the University of Washington. Last month, however, the O'Deal High School product announced on Twitter that he will attend Duke’s Countdown to Craziness this October as an official visit to the school. Based on recent history, players who attend the Countdown tend to commit to Duke soon afterwards. If things go well, we may see a commitment in the Blue Devils' favor.
Jonathan Kuminga (No. 1, PF) *Class of 2021
6’8 / 205 lbs.
There can’t be a discussion about Duke basketball recruiting without mention of the No. 1 overall prospect in the class. Although Anthony Edwards—the No. 1 ranked prospect in next year’s class—has already enrolled at Georgia, there’s a chance the class of 2021’s highest-ranked recruit comes to Duke. It would make sense, given the amount of talent the Blue Devils’ basketball program attracts. Unsurprisingly, the Duke basketball staff has already made an effort to meet Kuminga halfway, extending an offer to him over the summer. Among Kuminga’s other top choices are Kentucky, St. John’s and Texas Tech. As of now, there is no timetable for his decision.
Get The Chronicle straight to your inbox
Signup for our weekly newsletter. Cancel at any time.