NCAA Basketball Recruiting: Analyzing Cade Cunningham’s top 10 teams
Duke Blue Devils
There were concerns that Duke wouldn’t have a true point guard on the roster for next season. However, the return of Tre Jones puts the coaching staff at ease for 2019-20. But with the odds good that he’ll be gone after next season to the NBA Draft, the Blue Devils will need to have his replacement.
But they already do technically, grabbing top-20 overall recruit Jeremy Roach. The 6’2 point guard committed to Duke this offseason and is a pure passing point guard. He and Cunningham could play together on the court but it would come at the ladder’s expense when it involves the lead ball handler spot.
Even still, Coach K and the Blue Devils always makes it work with various five-star players on the same team. And Duke should never be left out of the mix when it comes to the best high school prospects. Roach being committed hurts their chances but expect them to be listed among the few finalists.
Odds – High to remain involved, low to land
Florida Gators
Another program who retained their top passer, Florida brings back Andrew Nembhard (5.4 apg) for his sophomore season. Adding to him to five-star point guard Tre Mann, ranked in the top-20 of the 2019 recruiting class. Assuming both players play up to expectations, there’s a realistic possibility that they each could leave for the 2020 NBA Draft.
The Gators under head coach Mike White have elevated their recruiting and seems to have established themselves as a perennial SEC contender. Cunningham would join a top-25 team with the Gators and since he’s playing high school ball nearby, the location gives Florida an edge as well.
The timing of the decision may play a factor as to how viable the Gators are to Cunningham. If he decides closer to next Spring, he’ll know if Mann/Nembhard are likely to go. If it’s earlier, having two top-tier ball handlers already on the roster makes it hard.