I agree that the scholarship numbers are interesting. As it stands at this moment, Duke had 12 scholarship players committed for 2011-12 ... and just one of them (Miles Plumlee) is a senior. If DeAndre Daniels commits, that would push the number to the maximum of 13. And Coach K already has Rasheed Sulaiman committed for 2012-13.
That would appear to preclude the possibility of adding ANYBODY else in next year';s class (if Daniels comes).
Of course, we all know it's not going to work that way. There are a number of possibilities to open up scholarships for 2012-13:
(1) Austin Rivers is almost certainly a one-and-done player. I'd love to think he'll stay four years ... or even two, but we all know he's 99 percent certain to leave after next season.
That's one (Shabazz Muhammad??)
(2) Mason Plumlee is a potential departee after his junior season. He's been rated a borderline lottery pick the last two years. If he has the kind of junior season we all hope he can have, it's hard to see him not being a lottery lock next season.
That's two (Tony Parker???)
(3) Seth Curry could graduate will his class. He should be on track to graduate in the spring of 2013. He would still have one more year of eligibility remaining, but would he take it?
(4) DeAndre Daniels might not come. Or he could come and be one-and-done. Frankly, I don't see him as that level of recruit, but there are rumblings on the recruiting circuit that that is his plan. That would explain why K is anxious to bring him in, despite the presence of so many other longterm answers on the wing.
Either way, that's potentially No. 4
(5) Somebody may despair of the playing-time crunch and transfer. I hate to suggest the possibity, but we've seen if before -- plenty of times. Outsiders have been speculating about Andre leaving since before last season. Actually, I think he's in position to play a lot -- even to start in three-guard alignment -- but if he gets squeezed out with all the other backcourt talent next season.
That's potentially No. 5
If even half of these scenarios play out (No. 1 is very likely; No. 2 very possible), K would be remiss in not preparing for the eventuality. And he's not remiss.
As Lefty Driesell once said when one of his alums raised a similar concern "Ah kin count."
I'm sure K can too.