Blue Devil Country

Duke Basketball Now Looks Like 'Team to Beat' for Explosive Prep

It sounds like momentum has suddenly swung back in Duke basketball's favor in the VJ Edgecombe race.
Matt Giles|
Photo credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

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Duke Blue Devils

Earlier this week, Rivals' Rob Cassidy ranked the Duke basketball recruiters last among the three finalists for Long Island Lutheran (N.Y.) senior VJ Edgecombe. Even so, he explained that there seems to be little separation between the Blue Devils, Baylor, and his perceived frontrunner, Kentucky.

Then, on Thursday afternoon, Burner Ball recruiting insider "Trilly Donovan" noted that he's recently heard Duke is now the favorite to land the 6-foot-5, 180-pound guard:

"In recent days I’ve had sources tell me Duke is the team to beat for Edgecombe..."

He pointed out that the five-star has not informed any of his suitors of his decision but added that Edgecombe, No. 5 overall on the 247Sports 2024 Composite, is "likely to announce" a winner at the Hoophall Classic in Springfield, Mass., Jan. 11-15.

Long Island Lutheran's first of two games in that event is on Jan. 13 at 4 p.m. ET against Columbus High School (Fla.), featuring two 2025 Blue Devil targets in the Boozer twins, Cameron and Cayden, sons of 2001 Duke national champ Carlos Boozer. Two days later, at 3 p.m., Edgecombe and his squad face AZ Compass Prep.

So, if what "Trilly Donovan" reported from his sources turns out to be correct, chances are the explosive talent, now the highest-ranked undecided recruit in the cycle, will reveal his college choice during one of those two contests.

As of this article's publishing, all five expert predictions between the 247Sports Crystal Ball and Rivals FutureCast point to the Blue Devils coming out on top.

VJ Edgecombe is one of two potential additions to what is already a five-deep, top-ranked 2024 Duke basketball recruiting haul. The other is NBA Academy Africa five-star center Khaman Maluach, recently reclassified from 2025.

Five-Star Looks Hooked on Duke's Cameron Indoor Stadium

Stay tuned to Blue Devil Country on SI.com for more Duke basketball recruiting news.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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