While some of the nation's top players were in Washington D.C. for the Nike Global Challenge, others were busy on the AAU circuit last weekend in Milwaukee and Philadelphia.
The Under Armor NY2LA Summer Jam, which was held in Mequon, Wis., was an easy commute for Milwaukee Rebels forward Kevon Looney, who squared off with Kentucky commit Karl Towns on the tournament's opening night and had 17 points and eight rebounds. Duke, Florida and Michigan State continue to be the leaders for Looney, who is ranked No. 9 in the Class of 2014 by ESPN.
Another marquee matchup from the first night was between Myles Turner of Texas Select and Mac Irvin Fire forward Cliff Alexander. Jahlil Okafor, who also plays for the Mac Irvin Fire, was a last-minute scratch from the Nike Global Challenge, opting to rest last weekend. Turner and Looney also squared off at the Summer Jam.
Turner continues to skyrocket up recruiting boards throughout the July live evaluation period, and stat lines like this certainly won't hurt. As he continues to develop his jumper, Turner has been a standout on the defensive end.
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Duke associate head coach Jeff Capel was on hand at the Summer Jam to watch Turner and Looney, among others. Turner only has one official visit set for the fall, and that is to Kansas.
With a number of the top 2014 prospects in Washington D.C., 2015 prospects took center stage in Milwaukee. Among the attendees at the Summer Jam were center Stephen Zimmerman, forward Chase Jeter, point guard Jalen Brunson and center Diamond Stone.
These four players are yet to receive Duke offers, but have all been in contact with the coaching staff. Brunson is a name that has been mentioned a lot with Duke in recruiting circles, as the Blue Devils will be without point guard Quinn Cook in 2015, and even if Tyus Jones does commit there's a distinct possibility he only stays for one year.
Stone, the No. 4 prospect in the Class of 2015 according to ESPN, was one of the standouts of the showcase. Playing with the Young Legends 16U team, Stone's post game was on display, and he also blocked a number of shots on the defensive end. the 6-foot-10 center attributed some of his success to losing weight. Once listed in excess of 250 pounds, Stone said he has since lost 23 pounds and slimmed down.
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Stone's top performance at the Summer Jam was when he poured in 31 points and added 12 rebounds and five blocks on the tournament's penultimate day.
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Class of 2014 center Goodluck Okonoboh was in Philadelphia with his AAU squad, Mass Rivals, at the Hoop Group Jam Fest. Duke assistant coach Nate James was on hand to watch Okonoboh, along with Indiana's Tom Crean, N.C. State's Mark Gottfried, Notre Dame's Mike Brey and Florida's Billy Donovan.
Ohio State also recently entered the fold for Okonoboh. The Buckeyes offered him a scholarship last week.
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One more stop for the AAU circuit before the conclusion of the July live evaluation period. A number of the nation's top recruits will head to the AAU Super Showcase in Orlando, Fla.
In case you missed it, check out part one of this week's Recruiting Roundup, with stats and quotes from the Nike Global Challenge.
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