Recruiting: Top point guard Trevon Duval cuts list down to 10 schools
A plethora of high major schools were recruiting the top point guard in the class of 2017. Now, it’s down to 10.
With a break in between the summer AAU events and the start of the actual high school season, 2017 recruits across the country are beginning to dive deeper into their possible decisions.
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One of the top players in the class of 2017 and the top point guard, Trevon Duval, cut his list down to 10 schools on Monday. California, Oregon, USC, Kansas, Villanova, St. John’s, Seton Hall, UCLA, Arizona and Maryland were lucky enough to inch past the plethora of other high majors that were in the mix for the point guard.
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Maryland seems to be one of the favorites (Under Armour CEO Kevin Plank went to UM and Duval plays for an AAU team sponsored by UA), but it’s awfully surprisingly to see a top recruit like Duval have a list that doesn’t include Duke and Kentucky.
While other blue bloods like Kansas, Villanova and Arizona are in the mix (and surprisingly Big East squads Seton Hall and St. John’s), the Blue Devils and Wildcats are known for their ability to consistently reel in these types of players.
Maybe this has something to do with a potential eligibility concern. Duval attended Advanced Prep International, which is basically an extension of Prime Prep. Emmanuel Mudiay (Prime Prep) and Terrance Ferguson (API) both ended the school and were unable to be academically cleared by the NCAA. Instead, both players decided to play overseas – Mudiay in China and Ferguson in Australia.
Duval is transferring out of API for his senior season, but has yet to decide on a new high school.
The Wilmington, Del native is labeled as a five-star recruit on every recruiting service site and is ranked as the 5th best player in the class of 2017, according to ESPN.
Duval had a tremendous summer on the Under Armour Circuit. He led WE R1 to a championship, while averaging 15.9 points, 4.9 assists and 3.9 rebounds per game. Duval struggled in the final (seven points in the win), but he was terrific in the semis against Team Felton, dropping 21 points on 8-of-13 shooting.
The 6’3″, 180 pound lead guard is dynamic with the ball in his hands. He has an elite crossover, a knack for getting into the lane, and the toughness and athleticism to finish through contact or over the last line of defense. Duval is the best lay up maker on the recruiting trail and is capable of drawing fouls at a high rate in college.
Duval’s ability to handle the ball on a string makes him an elite player in transition and a great option in the half court, in terms of breaking down the defense out of pick-and-roll situations.
Duval has excellent size and athleticism, but his unique swagger elevates his confidence on both ends of the floor.
Because he is known for his ability to score at a high rate, his defense and passing ability are often overlooked. However, Duval can dig in as an on-ball defender and is a really effective playmaker (making his teammates better).
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While his jump shot needs more consistency, he must cut down his turnovers and he could build more strength, Duval is far-and-away the best point guard in this class. He has one-and-done material written all over him, and there is no doubt he is expected to be one of the top players in all of college basketball next season.