Duke Basketball: What to expect from the 2017 recruiting class

By Stuart Gill | May 22, 2017

Mar 29, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; McDonald's High School All-American players Wendell Carter Jr. (34) and Gary Trent Jr. (2) who will both be attending Duke University in the fall of 2017 pose for a group photo before the 40th Annual McDonald's High School All-American Game at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jan 16, 2017; Springfield , MA, USA; Pace Academy Knights player Wendell Carter (22) dunks and scores against The Patrick School Celtics during the first half at Blake Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports /

Wendell Carter

While last year’s big man duo of Harry Giles and Marques Bolden failed to live up to any of the hype they generated in the off-season, Wendell Carter’s decision to attend Duke is no small story.

He’ll pair up nicely with Bolden in the frontcourt and will provide rebounding efficiency that last year’s squad desperately lacked. At 6-9, 255 lbs he is no joke in the paint, and one thing coaches love about him is his ability to earn points at the free throw line.

As his hype grew in high school, so did the number of fouls committed against him upon his getting the ball down low. He adjusted to the pressure well, learning to take easy points from the charity stripe. He is also not afraid to shoot the three, though it is unlikely we will see him continue to do so due to the abundance of perimeter talent Coach K has at his disposal.

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