Blue Devil Country

Duke basketball among 'sharks still swimming' for premier forward

There is a 2024 Montverde big man worthy of more Duke basketball attention.
Matt Giles|
Duke basketball among 'sharks still swimming' for premier forward
Duke basketball among 'sharks still swimming' for premier forward

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Duke Blue Devils

Every Duke basketball recruiting class under Jon Scheyer's command includes a Montverde Academy (Fla.) star. At least that's been the case in his first two hauls: Dariq Whitehead in 2022 and Sean Stewart in 2023.

RELATED: List of Duke's all-time McDonald's All-Americans

Neither the program's lone 2024 commit, Paul VI Catholic (Va.) four-star small forward Darren Harris, nor the six undecided high school juniors on Duke's offer sheet play for the prep powerhouse in central Florida.

But according to Rivals' Rob Cassidy, the Blue Devils could still become players for Montverde five-star Asa Newell, a 6-foot-10, 205-pound explosive rim-runner who sits No. 1 among power forwards and No. 8 overall on the 247Sports 2024 Composite.

Cassidy recently ranked five contenders for Newell. However, he reserved a spot, below Georgia and Indiana but above Florida and Texas, for "a late-arriving offer" and noted to watch for Duke and Kentucky:

"Newell is slowly building toward a commitment and could be getting close to narrowing his options. That said, there are sharks still swimming in the surrounding waters capable of changing things if they decide to bite or, in this case. offer.

"Programs such as Kentucky and Duke made preliminary contact last year and could begin to press depending on how things play out this summer. Newell's offer list may not have reached its final form, even if the top schools are starting to create separation."

Members of Scheyer's staff visited Asa Newell at Montverde in September; furthermore, there were reports of the Blue Devils reaching out to him in July. Yet there hasn't been any chatter regarding Duke basketball's interest in the 17-year-old versatile lefty ever since.

Still, there appears to be enough time for Scheyer & Co. to enter the fray.

On that note, it's worth pointing out that no power forwards or centers are currently on the Blue Devils' 2024 wishlist. And the 247Sports Crystal Ball for Asa Newell doesn't contain any predictions yet.

Stay tuned to Blue Devil Country for more Duke basketball recruiting updates.

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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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