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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Mar 11, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Harry Giles (1) celebrates after defeating against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the ACC Conference Tournament Final at Barclays Center. Duke Blue Devils won 75-69. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

So what does this all mean?

If Duke fans need proof that last year’s season and all the frustration it came with are in the past, it can be found in this off-season’s personnel changes.

This year’s recruiting class, along with experienced returners such as Grayson Allen and Marques Bolden, are poised to take the ACC by storm. It would be hard to imagine a team that can start Duval, Allen, Trent, Carter, and Bolden, while using Tucker, O’Connell, and sophomore Javin DeLaurier off the bench, will lose many games. Barring major injuries or off-court incidents, look for Duke to finish in the top three of the ACC with a legitimate shot at securing a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament bracket.

Next: Exclusive interview with Kevin Knox about his decision

It may seem risky to make such a prediction based on unproven recruits, but rest assured that this year’s group is very different from last year’s. There are no major injuries to worry about.

There are far fewer lineup possibilities to worry about, such as last year’s dilemma of how to make use of Jackson, Allen, and Kennard, or Chase Jeter, Giles, Bolden, and Jefferson.

Furthermore, look for Allen to make the most of his last opportunity to lead his team to success after failing to do so a year ago.

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