2021 Men's Basketball Recruiting Thread

[CDu]

I would imagine a Baldwin commit would have little effect on Williams as their games are completely different.

It depends on whether Baldwin can play SF or not. If he has to play PF, then it affects Williams as it pushes Banchero to center more of the time.

[proelitedota]

I got the sense from the latest Brendan Marks mailbag in The Athletic that a Baldwin commit (which he pegged at unlikely but not impossible) could drive Williams to turn pro.

So Baldwin commit is unlikely then.

[tommy]

It depends on whether Baldwin can play SF or not. If he has to play PF, then it affects Williams as it pushes Banchero to center more of the time.

Is there really a legitimate question whether Baldwin can play SF in college, and in particular in Duke's system? Seems like it's not a stretch, but actually his most natural position, doesn't it?

[simplyluvin]

Is there really a legitimate question whether Baldwin can play SF in college, and in particular in Duke's system? Seems like it's not a stretch, but actually his most natural position, doesn't it?

I don't believe there is. PBJ as a 3, or in a semi-positionless frontcourt, would be amazing. Perhaps more of a question of can AJ or PBJ play the 2. Also see PBJ as a real playmaker at all levels, a la Cade Cunningham. One can dream...

[RetireVergaJersey]

Going to be a great year for Duke Bball. Really hope PBJ joins the party. Duke’s 3 bigs will allow him to play on the perimeter and showcase his talents .

[CDu]

Is there really a legitimate question whether Baldwin can play SF in college, and in particular in Duke's system? Seems like it's not a stretch, but actually his most natural position, doesn't it?

I think he is a natural PF, actually. At least at the college level. He is thin, but what I have seen suggests PF might be his best position defensively in college.

[DavidBenAkiva]

There has been speculation that Duke is not out of it regarding PBJ. Were he to commit to Duke, I fully expect the starting lineup would include 3 freshmen plus Jeremy Roach and Mark Williams. The three freshmen starters would be Griffin, Baldwin, and Banchero. Those are the most talented players and each has guard skills on offense. I'm not sure how that would work defensively, but it would be an incredibly long and tall lineup. There would be 4 players with 7'+ wingspans on the court to start the game. I can't think of a college team that has done that in recent years. College teams rarely have that kind of height and length. If they can't play man, they would be really tough in a zone defense. And then you could see Moore, Keels, John, and Baker off the bench with maybe a few minutes from Blakes. That would be a really talented and deep lineup. I wonder if someone else wouldn't transfer if PBJ commits. Hopefully not, but that's how things are these days.

That being said, the prevailing thought is that PBJ stays with his dad.

[RetireVergaJersey]

I wish him well in whatever decision he makes. If he comes to Duke they will win the title. I hope he decides that he wants to wear Duke Blue and play Zaga , UK and Michigan to start the season . Got to think he wants to play in a front court w AJ, Banchero and Williams.

[UrinalCake]

I think he is a natural PF, actually. At least at the college level. He is thin, but what I have seen suggests PF might be his best position defensively in college.

Which is why it stopped making sense for him to come to Duke once we landed Banchero. It still might happen, but it would take some roster management and guys playing out of their ideal positions. Still, I’d love to see what K could do with that glut of talent.

The fact that Keels, Griffin, and to a lesser extent Banchero would have their minutes cut into by Baldwin yet are still actively trying to recruit him is kind of interesting to me. Either they really do only care about winning (hopefully) or they see Duke as a cool spot to hang out with their friends. Maybe some of both.

[Bluedog]

Not sure if folks saw this in the Jaylen Blakes thread, but the latest episode of the DBR podcast features an interview with Blakes' high school coach Joe Mantegna. I think it is one of the better interviews we have had on the pod, really fascinating insight into high school and college athletics.

https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/duk...=VMP9676676437

Wait, Stanford has a rule that makes it so they can't accept transfers? Yes, that was a takeaway for me just because it was surprising. (Although sounds like the coaches want the rule changed.) But seriously, great interview! Joe Mantegna had a lot of great insights and is clearly a sharp and personable guy. (Only 20 minutes in, so still have more to go...).

[SkyBrickey]

There has been speculation that Duke is not out of it regarding PBJ. Were he to commit to Duke, I fully expect the starting lineup would include 3 freshmen plus Jeremy Roach and Mark Williams. The three freshmen starters would be Griffin, Baldwin, and Banchero. Those are the most talented players and each has guard skills on offense. I'm not sure how that would work defensively, but it would be an incredibly long and tall lineup. There would be 4 players with 7'+ wingspans on the court to start the game. I can't think of a college team that has done that in recent years. College teams rarely have that kind of height and length. If they can't play man, they would be really tough in a zone defense. And then you could see Moore, Keels, John, and Baker off the bench with maybe a few minutes from Blakes. That would be a really talented and deep lineup. I wonder if someone else wouldn't transfer if PBJ commits. Hopefully not, but that's how things are these days.

That being said, the prevailing thought is that PBJ stays with his dad.

I agree with all this. I've watched a decent amount of video of Banchero and Baldwin. These guys are bringing the ball up the court and have handles like point guards at 6'10", 6'11". It's ridiculous. An offensive lineup of Roach, Griffin/Moore/Keels, PBJ, Banchero, Williams would be absolutely devastating. Can PBJ guard ACC 3s and can Griffin guard ACC 2s? That would be the only question and might push us to a zone when those 5 are on the floor together. But I don't think there is any question Williams, Bachero and PBJ would all start and complement each other well on the offensive end.

[proelitedota]

I can't wait for Goduke.com to update Banchero's real height and weight.

[CrazyNotCrazie]

I can't wait for Goduke.com to update Banchero's real height and weight.

When checking to see the height and weight for Banchero, I just saw that John and Jones are now on the roster, along with Keels. Blakes is not there yet.

[OZZIE4DUKE]

When checking to see the height and weight for Banchero, I just saw that John and Jones are now on the roster, along with Keels. Blakes is not there yet.

Jaylen has to sign his LOI before they update the roster. Until then, he's just a "commitment".

[WillJ]

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/...-state-georgia

I have to tell you, for 300k, I'd go to the G League, too.

[Dr. Rosenrosen]

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/...-state-georgia

I have to tell you, for 300k, I'd go to the G League, too.

Not bad work if you can get it.

[Skydog]

Thanks for posting the link. Would love to see a picture of him with that sports car and that beautiful blonde girlfriend. Verga sure enjoyed his time at Duke.

No Corvette, but from same article - gf Andrea showing Bob some dance moves:

bobverga.jpg

[heyman25]

I used to have that SI issue. Fun to see again. I think Shooters is the place to be seen off campus now.

[budwom]

Is there really a legitimate question whether Baldwin can play SF in college, and in particular in Duke's system? Seems like it's not a stretch, but actually his most natural position, doesn't it?

K evidently thinks so, loves his game...indeed, his most natural position.

[Messimorgan17]

K evidently thinks so, loves his game...indeed, his most natural position.

To me this is the bottom line and If it has been already said above, I apologize. It’s one thing to play for your dad. However, to save his job? It’s not saving his job. It’s like trying to plug a big hole in the side of a submarine that has been hit by depth charges. Also, he has been coached by his dad to some extent his entire life. If he wants to really progress, it’s extremely helpful to listen to a different voice and there is no better voice than coach k. Finally, he needs to learni to play next to other great players. He will be doing that in the nba.