College basketball’s early signing period always generates high drama. This November has been no different as programs around the ACC have improved substantially with the addition of key signees.
Duke added to its wealth of talent on Nov. 10 by signing Gary Trent Jr., a 5-star shooting guard and the son of a former NBA player by the same name. Trent gives the Blue Devils a well-rounded, versatile perimeter threat who can score, defend and run the floor. His addition makes Duke’s early signing period better than most, but this week might bring even more good news for the Blue Devils.
One of the more highly desired forward prospects nationally, Wendell Carter Jr. of Atlanta is planning on announcing his decision on Wednesday, Nov. 23. Duke has long been considered the favorite for the athletic post talent.
Carter and Trent developed a friendship on the travel circuit similar to former Blue Devil standouts Tyus Jones and Jahlil Okafor. They are attempting to set themselves up to be Duke’s next elite inside-outside package deal.
If anyone could have lured Carter away from Duke, it would have been Georgia Tech’s Josh Pastner, whose pitch of early playing time helped lure in 4-star point guard Jose Alvarado. Carter took an official visit to the local ACC school in early November, but everything points to the 5-star power forward choosing Duke over the Yellow Jackets.
MIami’s recruiting stock has soared under Jim Larranaga, and the Canes once again delivered this year. They added 4-star power forward Deng Gak in October before reeling in 5-star shooting guard Lonnie Walker in mid-November. Walker, a resident of Reading, Penn., makes it two classes in a row that Larranaga has landed a 5-star (Dewan Huell, 2016).
Clemson also got additional help in early November as Clyde Trapp of Hopkins, S.C., signed with the Tigers. The 6-5 Trapp, a consensus 3-star recruit, joins forces with 6-8 forwards Aamir Simms and Malik William to give Brad Brownell a potent group of newcomers.
Louisville added a pair of big-time post prospects — 6-10 power forward Lance Thomas and 6-8 small forward Jordan Nwora — in October, just before the early signing period. With Thomas and Nwora on board, along with prior commitments from Malik Williams, a 7-0 center, and Darius Perry, a smooth 6-2 point guard, Rick Pitino’s program is going to be formidable for years to come.