This weekend is known around the recruiting circuit as one of the busiest all year as the Peach Jam, Under Armor Association and the NY2LA Summer Jam all concluded play. With three of the biggest AAU tournaments coinciding, head coach Mike Krzyzewski and his staff had plenty of highly touted recruits to keep them busy.
Starting in North Augusta, S.C. with the Peach Jam, here’s how some 2015 and 2016 Duke targets performed in this jam-packed weekend.
Ivan Rabb’s Oakland Soldiers were eliminated Saturday after they lost 62-56 to Team Final. Rabb finished the Peach Jam with respectable numbers averaging 13.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.6 blocks and shooting 61.9 percent from the field. In terms of his recruitment, the California native has yet to receive an offer from Duke, but is currently ranked number one on ESPN.
The Spiece Indy Heat did not have a strong tournament as they went 1-4 in their five games. The lack of success was not because of Caleb Swanigan, as he averaged 15.2 points, 11.4 rebounds, 1.2 blocks and shot 58.8 percent from the field. Like Rabb, Duke has not offered the big man but after another impressive performance in front of Duke coaches, an offer might be coming soon.
After Jayson Tatum’s 17U St. Louis Eagles failed to make the Peach Jam, Tatum joined the 16U team for the weekend. From the first game, it was clear how much better Tatum was than the other players his age. Tatum and the Eagles dominated the tournament early on, as his team rolled through pool play with a 3-0 record and a margin of victory of more than 15 points. Tatum’s team was upset in the semifinals, but that won’t take away from the impressions he made on all the team’s watching—Tatum is clearly a player to watch for 2016.
Team CP3 narrowly missed out on advancing as they finished 2-3 at the Peach Jam. Harry Giles had a solid overall tournament averaging 12.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.1 blocks and shooting 50 percent from the field. Most importantly for the 2016 target was that he looks to have recovered from the scary knee injury he suffered last June. Duke was following Giles around all week, as he is clearly one of their top targets for the 2016 recruiting class.
Team Scan thrived at the Peach Jam as they made the semifinals before being eliminated by the NJ Playerz 65-55. Tyus Battle had a great tournament averaging 13.6 points, 3.2 rebounds and shooting 45.3 percent from the field. Battle made news Thursday, when Duke offered the 6-5 New Jersey combo guard to become a member of their 2016 recruiting class. After watching him this weekend, it is clear why Duke wants to make him a key piece in their future.
Moving on to the Under Armor Association Finals, Duke focused mainly on two players in Atlanta, Ga.
Jaylen Brown had a great tournament in Atlanta as he showcased his shooting stroke and athletic ability. Perhaps most impressive from Brown this week was his battle against 2016 prospect Josh Jackson. Jackson’s team may have won the game, but in terms of impressing coaches and scouts, Brown was the winner. Duke may have got involved in his recruitment late in the process, but as we covered Thursday, they seem to be making up ground quickly. Brown is a player we will continue to follow closely.
Diamond Stone was his dominant self as he continued to fight for the honor of top big man in the class of 2015. The Wisconsin big man battled on the glass and low post all tournament, as he continued to impress the coaches in attendance. As we mentioned Thursday, the package deal with himself and Malik Newman may not happen—something Krzyzewski will be thrilled with, as it greatly increases the chances of the center ending up in Durham.
Lastly, in Milwaukee, Wis., Duke focused on its only commit as well as a few 2015 and 2016 targets.
Luke Kennard led his team to a terrific Summer Jam performance. The 6-5 lefty was unstoppable this weekend as led his team to a semifinal appearance before losing a nail-bitter 60-57 versus WI United and Marshawn Wilson’s 23 point performance. Kennard once again continues to show the ability on both ends that makes everyone excited to see him in a Blue Devil uniform in a few years.
Even though his Dream Vision was bounced in the first round of the playoffs, Chase Jeter managed to score 22 points in a 74-58 loss. After a strong Adidas Unrivaled Camp last weekend, more was expected from the Las Vegas native at Summer Jam. Jeter put up some impressive individual numbers, but if he is to live up to his reputation as impact player, Jeter should be able to help his team more than the big man did this weekend.
2016 point guard Dennis Smith Jr. showed off his talent on the offensive and defensive end at the Summer Jam. Smith Jr. led Team Loaded NC to a quarterfinal appearance before being knocked out by Kobi Simmons and the Atlanta Celtics. Overall Smith Jr. showed off his shooting range and elite first step as he lit up the scoreboard throughout the tournament. Smith Jr. is battling for the top point guard spot in the class of 2016 and performances like this will help him achieve that goal.
Saving best for last, Thon Maker was named MVP of the Summer Jam after leading his Team Loaded VA to a championship. Maker dominated on both ends as the 7-footer flaunted his versatility and athletic ability throughout the tournament. Maker capped off his run with 20 points in the final, including the game-winning dunk. Maker is currently the top-ranked prospect for 2016 and with rumors of him reclassifying, Maker is certainly someone Duke will be focusing on in the coming year.
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