NCAA Basketball Recruiting: Analyzing Scottie Barnes’ final eight

Duke Blue Devils

Duke is involved. I think that pretty much summarizes the talent of Scottie Barnes. Over the past few years, Duke has emerged as one of the top destinations for “one-and-done” players and it would not be a surprise if they were the favorite at this point in time. Head coach Mike Krzyzewski has an incredible reputation both on the recruiting trail and on the sidelines and the expectation should be that the program will have several scholarships open for the 2020 class.

As is the case with just about every other program in the country, Duke has not landed a 2020 commit yet. But if you don’t think that the Blue Devils will land a top class…I don’t know what to tell you. With regards to this recruitment, Coach K has several available pitches at his disposal. Perhaps most importantly, it is easy for Duke to discuss the potential of playing alongside some of the other top freshmen in the country. I know I already discussed this potential with regards to Kentucky but it applies to Duke as well.

Duke has already issued six scholarship offers for the 2020 class (including one to Barnes) and every single one is to a top-20 player in the class. And while they likely won’t land each player, it seems reasonable to assume that at least two or three end up donning the blue and white for a collegiate season. If Barnes does elect to play in Durham, he will be following in the footsteps of fellow University School star Vernon Carey, who will be playing under Coach K in 2019-20 before presumably heading to The Association.

With the majority of the AAU season still left to played, Barnes does not seem to be nearing a commitment. Yet, you can be sure that each of these schools will remain heavily in contact as they hope to secure the versatile athlete. Barnes will be an immediate difference-maker at the collegiate level due to his playmaking, defending, and all-around skill set that should only expand.