Duke will enjoy another very strong recruiting class in 2020. This year is unique compared to many recent classes in that there is only one sure fire one and done prospect in the class. The status of the rest is difficult to predict but there is certainly a path to being draft ready in 2021 for each of these recruits. This order can and likely will change once the games begin and the season unfolds. It will be interesting to assess this as the season goes on.
- Jalen Johnson
Johnson is the only locked and loaded one and done for Duke this season. He is highest ranked and most talented player in Duke’s recruiting class. Johnson excels in fast break situations. A combo forward who is an extremely gifted passer, Johnson’s versatility will be very appealing to NBA teams. Johnson will almost certainly be a top 10 draft selection and has a very realistic path to the top five.
2. DJ Steward
While slightly undersized for a shooting guard at 6’3, 165 pounds, Steward is a very skilled shot maker. He is the best shooter in Duke’s class, a skill that is so widely coveted in the current NBA. Now more than ever, teams are chasing players who are good shooters. In the 2019 draft, the Phoenix Suns surprised all by selecting Cameron Johnson with the 11th pick in the draft. This is just one example of how being a good shooter can elevate one’s draft stock tremendously. His ability to score from all three levels will be intriguing to GM’s and if a team falls in love with his shooting ability he could be a lottery selection.
3. Jeremy Roach
Roach is a true lead guard. He has good size for his position to go along with a quick first step. A natural play-maker, Roach excels at finding his teammates and also does a great job getting into the lane. He is a tough defensive player as well so the potential to develop into a strong two way player is there. Concerns about his shooting ability and lack of positional versatility will be what he has to overcome to enhance his draft status.
4. Jaemyn Brakefield
Brakefield is the wild card of the group. Despite being the 2nd lowest rated recruit in this class according to 247Sports, an argument can be made he has the highest NBA potential outside of Jalen Johnson. Brakefield fits the mold of the current NBA landscape. At 6’8, 210 pounds, Brakefield can handle the ball very well and stretches the floor with his three point shooting ability. He is also a dynamic athlete. This combination of skill, athleticism, and size is exactly what NBA teams covet these days. While his potential is sky high, he is the most “raw” of anyone in Duke’s recruiting class. If he puts it together quickly, he could be a high draft selection as early as next year. NBA teams will be monitoring his game in hopes he can become less of a project and more of a sure thing.
5. Mark Williams
A true 7-footer, Williams’ size and length will be intriguing to NBA teams. While he has decent mobility, changing directions quickly is not his strong suit and this could limit his ability to defend in pick and roll situations at the next level when dealing with NBA speed. He does a lot of damage on put-backs and dump offs around the rim and this is a fine area to excel, but he will need to show more in his offensive game to elevate his draft stock. He definitely has a lot of potential
6. Henry Coleman
While Coleman is a very exciting prospect and there is a path for him to be a one and done player, someone had to be last on this list. He is Duke’s lowest ranked recruit according to 247Sports, ranked as the #51 recruit in the country. I have written that Coleman is a perfect modern small ball center and while that is mostly true of him at the college level, he offers that ability at the NBA level as well. He is tough, versatile player. Defensively, he can defend all five positions. The biggest questions surrounding Coleman’s draft stock come down to what his offensive potential is.