The Duke coaching staff continues to prepare for 2011 by evaluating many of the top players in the country. Overall, for 2010 and 2011 Coach K and company seem determined to avoid the recruiting misses the have plagued the Blue Devils in recent years. In a previous post Duke Basketball Journal detailed 9 prospects for 2011. Also, DBJ recently reported about the growing relationship between LaQuinton Ross and Duke. Today, DBJ will introduce you to 4 new prospects which Duke is evaluating for its roster needs in 2011. Here we go.
Thomas Gipson – Power Forward
Height: 6-7
Weight: 240
Hometown: Cedar Hill, TX
School: Cedar Hill HS
AAU Team: Dallas Heroes
Scout.com Ranking: 3 Stars
ESPN Rating: 88
Gipson is a very strong forward that has shown the ability to consistently finish in traffic. He’s a fierce competitor and is willing to fight it out on the inside. He’s not the most athletic power forward, but his heart and tenacity are true strengths. If he continues to improve his all around game and grows a few more inches he will likely have many major programs chasing him.
Lavon Harper – Power Forward
Height: 6-8
Weight: 215
Hometown: Farmville, VA
School: Farmville Fuqua School
AAU Team: Boo Williams
Scout.com Ranking: 3 Stars
Harper is a face up forward that has shown a versatile skill set in the paint. Opponents need to be aware of his quickness as Harper has the ability to leave his competitors in the dust.
Julian Royal – Power Forward
Height: 6-7
Weight: 190
Hometown: Alpharetta, GA
School: Milton High School
Scout.com Ranking: 4 Stars
ESPN Rating: 96
Julian is a skilled power forward that will likely play as a combo forward at the college level. He is working on increasing his shooting range and has the ability to knock down the 3 ball with a good look. In addition to improving his mid range game he will need to improve his ability to gain position in the post. Overall, Royal is a player with a unique skill set that opponents must be aware of on both ends of the court.
PJ Hairston – Shooting Guard
Height: 6-5
Weight: 210
Hometown: Greensboro, NC
School: Dudley HS
AAU Team: NC Gators
Scout.com Ranking: 4 Stars
ESPN Rating: 95
Hairston is a powerfully athletic guard that has deadly quickness and the ability to finish in traffic. He already has NBA range, although sometimes he settles for his jump shot too often. Defensively, Hairston uses his size and length to bother opponents and is also developing solid rebounding skills.
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If Duke is interested in Julian Royal, he does not know it. They have never reached out to him.