Around this time yesterday, Blue Devil nation was feeling very optimistic about their chances heading into the 2016 campaign and rightfully so.
After all, Coach K’s squad have the likes of Harry Giles, Jayson Tatum and Frank Jackson locked in. According to 247, all three guys are the best players at their respective position.
Now, the Blue Devils add five-star Marques Bolden.
Glad to say next year I'll be attending the University of Duke!!! ?⚪️ #DukeNation pic.twitter.com/RxfzVrBtLY
— ✊ (@MarquesB__) May 19, 2016
This past season, Duke lacked in size, especially when veteran center Amile Jefferson went down.
However, heading into this fall, Coach K will have multiple options in the middle.
Although Giles is coming off a torn ACL, when healthy, he provides elite athleticism to go along with rim protection.
Following a disappointing freshman campaign, you have to expect former five-star prospect Chase Jeter to show major strides in year two.
Meanwhile, Jefferson is returning as a fifth year senior, which gives Duke great leadership and basketball IQ down low.
And of course, now you have Mr. Bolden.
From a size perspective, Bolden reminds you of DeMarcus Cousins.
Listed at about 6-foot-10, 250 pounds, Bolden provides a great combination of size and length.
Offensively, he’s at his best with his back to the basket.
With Bolden’s frame, you’d like for him to be a more efficient rim protector, but at times, he can be lazy on this end of the court, which won’t fly over too well with Coach K.
At the end of the day, this class has all the makings to be Duke’s best recruiting class ever.