NCAA Basketball: Impact of Patrick Tape’s decommitment from Duke

NCAA Basketball grad transfer Patrick Tape has a change of heart and decommits from Duke.

Former Columbia big man Patrick Tape has decided to reopen his NCAA Basketball recruitment after decommitting from Duke on April 2. Tape verbally committed to the team less than two weeks ago. The Blue Devils won the recruiting battle for the 6-10 forward despite “getting in on him” late in the process.

“[It was] really just being close to home and having my family come see me, the excellent tradition they have there and the opportunity to play for the best coach of all time,” Tape told ESPN’s Jeff Borzello.

Tape sat out this past season after tearing a ligament in his toe over the summer and then aggravated the injury before the season began. The Charlotte (NC) native averaged 11.3 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks while shooting 66.7% from the field for the Lions in 2018-19.

So, why is he reopening his recruitment?  While Tape didn’t give an official reason, I believe that Matt Giles of Ball Durham is on the right track as I think that the Charlotte (NC) native now realizes his decision to attend Duke was a little hasty for several reasons.

First, Duke’s 2020-21 roster is currently full and loaded with talent. Secondly, Vernon Carey Jr. and Matthew Hurt are still on the roster. It was initially thought that Carey was going to head to the NBA Draft this year, and while that is still possible, the longer 2020 ACC Rookie of the Year waits to declare his intention, the more likely that he will return to Durham. It was also thought that Hurt would transfer after struggling during his first year. However, that also doesn’t appear that it is likely going to occur. Plus, coach Mike Krzyzewski had already signed six players in their 2020 recruiting class that included big men Henry Coleman, Jaemyn Brakefield, and Mark Williams.

Tape is not the first player to the first player to commit to Krzyzewski and then have a change of heart. Just last year, Boogie Ellis did the same and ended up in Memphis. Granted, Tape could once again have a change of heart and recommit to the Blue Devils. The 21-year-old has plenty of time to decide as the NCAA extended the “recruiting dead period” until at least May 31.

So, what is Tape looking for in a program/school? He told reporters of a few goals when he left Columbia.

"“[When I left], my goals were to play at a high level, make the NCAA tournament, hopefully play pro and get into urban planning.”"

Tape chose Duke over other finalists Syracuse, USC, and Ohio State. Georgetown and Maryland also showed interest in him. So, it is likely that he will end up at one of those five. Here is a look at those schools.

Syracuse: The Orange closed the season by winning four of their last six games to finish the season with an 18-14 record. While SU wouldn’t have gotten an NCAA Tourney bid previous year, the Orange could return to the Dance in 2021 if Elijah Hughes returns and Joe Girard III, Buddy Boeheim, and Quincy Guerrier continue to make strides in their development. Syracuse has two scholarships left in 2020, and adding a big man is a priority for the Orange.

USC: The Trojans were primed to make their third NCAA Tournament bid in four seasons after posting a 22-9 record and finishing third in the Pac-12. The Trojans have reloaded this season with the addition of grad transfers Tahj Eaddy and Isaiah White as well as incoming freshman Evan Mobley. USC has two scholarships available in 2020, and while the Trojans could use another body in the frontcourt, it is not a vast area of need at this time as they have Isaiah Mobley returning as long with his brother, Evan, plus verbal commits from grad transfer Chevez Goodwin and three-star 2020 freshman Boubacar Coulibaly.

Ohio State: The Buckeyes would be an outstanding landing spot in theory, but they have already have secured a commitment from grad transfer Seth Towns and will have Cal transfer Justice Sueing available. They also still have Andre Wesson, Kyle Young, Kaleb Wesson, EJ Lidell, and Alonzo Gaffney. OSU is currently one over the scholarship limit.

Georgetown: The Hoyas are kind of influx though Tape would get plenty of playing time, and he alongside Omer Yurtseven would make a super inside/outside frontcourt duo. G-Town would likely have something cooking if guard Mac McClung returned as well.

Maryland: The Terrapins currently have one scholarship left and are in the mix for Harvard grad transfer Bryce Aiken. While the Terps most certainly could use an additional big man right now, unless Boston College transfer Jairus Hamilton can obtain a waiver, they will absolutely need to bring one on board if Jalen Smith departs for the NBA as expected.

Prediction: It is too early to make an actual prediction where Tape ends up. However, as it stands right now, I would put Syracuse and USC at the head of the leaderboard. I think Maryland could be a player if Aiken chooses the Terps or Smith departs. Duke could get another shot if Carey or Hurt leave as well. Georgetown is also worth keeping an eye on though I don’t think Ohio State will be in the mix this go around.