Originally Posted by
houstondukie
Brad Beal fits into DUKE's philosophy so well. For all the talks (and rightfully so) about Harrison Barnes being the epitome of a DUKE player, Brad Beal is not that far behind. He is a team-first player who has stated that he is looking for a school where "everyone loves each other" and plays hard together. He cares about getting a great education and is an honor student (contrary to previous posters who erroneously said he needs to get his grades in order). He is a high-character person who is always humble and says all the right things. He grew up a DUKE fan and idolized JJ Redick. And of course, he's also the #1 SG in the country.
Having said all that, I don't see how DUKE has room for both Austin Rivers and Brad Beal, unless Marshall Plumnee decides to go elsewhere (unlikely IMO).
If DUKE signs both Harrison Barnes and Kyrie Irving (very likely, IMO), then Duke only has 3 scholarships available for the class of 2010 (Kyle Singler leaving before his senior year has no effect on the number of scholarships for this class).
Although mathematically we have 3 scholarships, in reality, DUKE has 2 scholarships to give out between Quincy Miller, Brad Beal, and Austin Rivers. The reason, IMO, is that Marshall Plumnee to very likely going to sign w/ DUKE. I know Marshall Plumnee is looking at all options and has expressed the possibilty of taking his own path and not attending DUKE like his brothers, but the opportunity to play w/ his brothers in college will ultimately sway him to DUKE.
So that leaves 2 scholarships for 3 players: Miller, Beal, and Rivers.
DUKE's #1 priority is PF Quincy Miller, who would fill in for Singler. Duke has a great shot of landing Miller.
That leaves that last scholarship for either Beal or Rivers. The fact that Beal still does not have an offer tells me that DUKE prefers Rivers, and is waiting for his visit, which is coming very soon. If they sense Rivers will not decommit from Florida, I think DUKE gives Beal the last scholarship. Which ain't a bad thing at all. In many ways (see above), I prefer Beal over Rivers.