Should Duke Change How They Recruit?

The John Wall discussion is about the biggest thing surrounding college basketball of late.  He is supposed to be the next coming of Carmelo Anthony.  Anthony was a one and done recruit that led his Syracuse team to the NCAA title.

All of the John Wall to Duke talk has sparked an incredible interest.  One question that keeps coming up is why Wall and why Duke?

John Wall has about a 99% chance to be a one and done type of player, if not more.  He is not the type of guy that the Blue Devils roll out the red carpet for, and does not necessarily fit into the dark blue mold.

This recruit could be the missing piece that would lead Duke past the Tarheels and possibly to a national title.  Would the addition of a one and done player not be worth it if he led the team to national supremacy?

That is the thing...  See, the Devils' Staff stays away from this type of thing.  They take pride in developing superstars throughout their system.  The Duke system is a team system.  One that thrives on hustle, conditioning, teamwork, and defense.  This system has developed the likes of Chris Duhon, J.J. Redick, and next season Jon Scheyer.

If they do decide to change their thinking they could jeopardize their system, but they could also jump start their way back to the top!  Why would they turn this down?  How many of the top recruits every year could really say no to Coach K in their living room?  Especially if he was saying he would and can prepare them for a one year then pro transition?  I would guess, not many...

All of that sounds great.  It truly does, but it is not the Duke way.  People say that they have fallen off, that Coach K has lost that proverbial step, and that they are on their way down.  Really Mr. Postman?  Take this into thought...  In the past ten years the Devils have not lost more than seven games and have not won less than twenty six games.  I venture to say there are over 50 other teams that would love to say that.

D1 Basketball is a roller coaster.  Do not believe me?  Ask Kentucky, UCLA, or Georgetown.  Teams are on top on minute and on the bottom the next.  The Duke system works, and they have been on top for a very long time.  Next season they will continue to be on top.  Throughout the year they will be ranked in the top ten and is a lock for the NCAA tourney.  The Duke system is not broke.  It is like Novocain...just give it time, it always works.