Amile Jefferson: Prized High School Recruit Would Be Perfect Fit for Duke

Amile Jefferson is dragging out his decision of where to play college basketball like LeBron James did when he tried to tell the world that he was taking his talents to South Beach.

But even with so much speculation going on about the prized high school recruit, there is one school that fits him perfectly: Duke. 

While the Blue Devils will feel a nice boost knowing that Mason Plumlee is returning to their backcourt next season, they need a lot of help to get back to an elite level. 

Plumlee is a nice player, but he is more of a complementary piece than a cornerstone. He doesn't have a great shot, nor does he make the players around him better. He needs someone to be the focal point to succeed. 

Even as we await a decision by Jefferson, which isn't likely to come anytime soon, it is quite obvious that the best destination for him is Duke. 

The other schools on Jefferson's list—N.C. State, Kentucky, Ohio State—all have stars at Jefferson's position who aren't going to be taken out of the starting lineup. For a highly-touted player, being able to step in right away could play a key role in the decision. 

There might be some sentiment to keep Plumlee as the starter because he has been there for three years and has improved with experience, but the impact of a player like Jefferson would be too great for coach Mike Kryzyzewski to pass up. 

We know that Coach K has no problem handing over the keys to the car to a freshman—Austin Rivers, Kyrie Irving, et al.—he just has to find the right one capable of handling the responsibility. 

Jefferson needs to add more bulk and improve his ball-handling skills, but his aggressive, attacking style is going to be the biggest reason he succeeds in college. 

Duke is in need of a dynamic leader who can carry the team into the 2012 season. Jefferson has a tough decision to make and is taking his time in doing it, but the reward for playing with the Blue Devils should be too great for him to pass up.

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