The Duke Blue Devils are the reigning national champions and they’re doing anything but basking in the glory and enjoying the moment. No, head coach Mike Krzyzewski is already thinking about next season and his getting point guard Derryck Thornton to commit to Duke proves that.
According to ESPN’s Paul Biancardi, Thornton will re-up into the class of 2015 and leave Nevada’s Findlay College Prep to join the Blue Devils next season. He spurned other schools including Michigan, Louisville, Arizona and ever-powerful Kentucky in deciding to head to Durham.
“Last night, Coach K [Mike Krzyzewski] and [assistant] Jeff Capel came in for the visit and they told me how much confidence they have in me to be their point guard next year. They were very prepared about my game and their plan for me.
“They told me they could have went after fifth-year transfers but wanted me instead. I am excited about the opportunity and the challenge.”
Duke now has a true point man in Thornton, what with dynamic Tyus Jones having declared for the draft along with center Jahlil Okafor and forward Justise Winslow. This means that guys like Matt Jones, Grayson Allen and incoming freshmen and McDonald’s All-Americans Luke Kennard and Chase Jeter will have someone to get them the ball next season as the Blue Devils look to continue competing after winning a championship.
Given how tough the ACC is becoming and how great Duke’s recruiting class is looking, one thing is certain. This team is NOT planning to defend its title half-heartedly.
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*Featured Photo (above) credit to Kelly Kline, Under Armour
