Jayson Tatum, the six-foot eight wingman from Chaminade High School in St. Louis has been look at by some of the top college basketball programs in the country. Schools like Kentucky, North Carolina, and Arizona wanted Tatum to play for them. But it was Duke that was able to land the 5-star recruit.
“I love the program and how the academics is set up,” Tatum said according to ESPN’s Paul Biancardi.
Jayson Tatum is the number two basketball player in the 2016 class behind Harry Giles, another player being looked at by Duke. There could be a chance the two players could play together. During the U19 FIBA World Championship, Tatum and Giles talked about a package deal. According to SI’s Luke Winn, Jayson Tatum said “there’s a pretty strong possibility,” of that happening.
Duke will be getting a solid wing player that has great size and is hard to guard. Tatum is a great scorer and a good ball handler. He is very explosive that he good in transition. Tatum does have weaknesses like lacking strength and toughness. He does shies away from contact at times and during the U19’s he barely got to the free throw line. But all of that can get improved.
In the gold medal run with the USA U19 team, Jayson averaged 13.9 points per game, 4.6 rebounds per game, 2.1 assist and shot 40% of his three-point shot attempts. This past season, he helped Chaminade to a 25-4 record and a 8-0 record in the Metro Catholic Conference. He averaged 26.2 points, 11.2 rebounds, 1.6 blocks, and 1.5 steals per game.
When it comes to 2016 recruiting, Duke is off to a great start. Players like Harry Giles, and Dennis Smith Jr. are under the Blue Devils radar. And with Tatum’s commitment, expect Duke to bring more high-profile athletes.
Ryan McFadden is the Founder of Inside The Locker Room and alumni from DeMatha Catholic High School. He will be attending IONA College and plans to major in Mass Communication. Follow him on Twitter @RMcFadden15.
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