NCAA Basketball Recruiting: Analyzing Nico Mannion’s final four schools

Duke Blue Devils

As is the case with just about every five-star recruit, Duke is involved. Ever since joining the program focused on securing commitments from “one-and-done” talents, the Blue Devils have emerged as one of the best recruiting programs in the nation. Even though Coach K has not secured a commitment for the 2019 class yet, this is not necessarily abnormal, either. Many of the top recruits are still uncommitted and Duke will be eager to potentially land them in addition to hopefully snagging Mannion.

In regards to Mannion only, he should receive plenty of playing time as a freshman if he commits to Duke. Considering the likely starting point guard for the 2018-19 Blue Devils, Tre Jones, is expected to leave school after just one year, there should be a ton of minutes available for Mannion if he commits to the team. Duke is consistently a team run by some of the best recruits in the nation and Mannion would be the first commit from the 2019 class. If he ends up joining the team, then Mannion can be a building block for the 2019-20 roster, which will assuredly be stocked full of freshmen.

Because of this, the main recruiting pitch for the team could be centered around the development of a top-notch roster centered around Mannion’s set of skills. When all is said and done, Mannion likely would not be the top-rated member of the class but he could end up being the one who brought everyone together. This can be an enticing offer considering it comes with the benefit of playing for one of the best coaches in the country.