Duke Basketball: What might the 2019-20 campaign hold?

Top remaining recruiting targets

Even with the three commitments already in tow, though, Duke definitely still needs to be active on the recruiting trail. Assuming Tre Jones elects to turn pro, there are three remaining available scholarships. And considering how dominant the Blue Devils have been on the recruiting trail over the past few years, it is reasonable to assume that they will land at least one more prospect for the 2019 class. As of right now, though, one name stands above the rest as the presumed top target: Matthew Hurt.

Ranked as the No. 8 overall prospect in the class, Hurt is the only prospect currently with an offer from Duke. An outstanding power forward that is built to score, especially from distance, there might not be a better fit on the market. Hurt is a tremendous prospect with an incredibly high floor for the college level due to his immense array of skills and moves at this point in time. Many agree that Duke is the favorite to land Hurt at the moment, although there are a few more options he could choose from.

Additionally, Duke has expressed continued interest in Trendon Watford as well. A 6-foot-9 power forward from Birmingham, AL, Watford is known as a score-first player ranked at No. 27 in the class. He already possesses a college-ready body and is a strong rebounder and finisher around the rim. Watford has also shown the ability to knock down the three with some consistency as well. Duke has been confirmed to be in Watford’s top-5 remaining schools.

Rounding out the potential recruits on the market is RJ Hampton. Even though he is currently in the 2020 class, there are rumors that Hampton may reclassify to the 2019 class and commit to Duke. This would certainly help to shore up the point guard position if Jones leaves as Hampton would be one of the top players available if he reclassifies.

Moving away from the traditional recruiting scene, Coach K and Co. could also turn to the transfer market. Duke is usually not that engaged in landing transfers under normal circumstances but Kira Lewis is on the market and that changes the circumstances. Lewis was one of the top freshmen in the country a year ago while playing for Alabama and entered the portal following Coach Johnson’s departure. I want to stress, though, that Lewis would more than likely have to sit out next season, so he might not be a top priority even though he is extremely talented.