Has it become a forgone conclusion that Kentucky

[brianpoe]

I think Duke gets Bolden .

I'm thinking Kansas.

 

[hotelblue]

With all "duke" respect, UK may have a few return too and our class blows Duke's out of the water.

Kentucky will be #1 guys.

looks like you have your answer.

 

[yoshukai]

I'm thinking Kansas.

And I hope you're right .

 

[TheDude1]

If Duke gets Bolden, I think Duke gets the #1 class... that would be the top C, PF, and SF, which is impressive. If not, will stay Kentucky. I don't think Duke WILL get Bolden.

At the end of the day it doesn't matter that much, outside of fun... what matters is a title, and I think it will be largely Duke and UK's to lose.

 

[LineSkiCat14]

I'm not sure Giles will lose the top PF spot.. But he will drop at least 2 or 3 spots overall. For as good as he is, hes missing his entire senior year that's huge. Plus, Gabriel will be top10 when it's all said and done.

I think they need more than Bolden.. We'll have 4 top 10 recruits by that point.

 

[Mojocat]

my memory of uk teams dates to the 76-77 season, and the two best I've seen were 1996 and 2012 - both of which were ranked 2 preseason IIRC......

 

[Untouchables22]

Duke needs another recruit in the top25 if they want to have a better recruiting class, and that's not even including the chances of UK getting Simmons or Alkins.

Don't see Kentucky losing the #1 class ranking. So it will come down to who returns the most. I do think Duke returns more. Their recruits THIS year just aren't getting it done yet. The more that continues, the greater chances of them returning. But anything can happen. If Kentucky returns more than they thought, or if Duke loses more than they thought.. Kentucky will be the rightful #1

Duke IS going to lose what little frontcourt they have this year in Jefferson and Plumlee. They are seniors. Jeter and Obi are going to have to make up serious ground the next year. They need Bolden, or their frontcourt isn't going to be anything special. Giles is a super talent, but I'm not sure what to expect of him next year.

Unless Jeter improves dramatically I think it's highly likely that K plays his best offensive lineup next year which will be Giles at center and Tatum at Power Forward. Thorton will have the point locked down and K has a sweet spot for seniors so Matt Jones likely starts at SF because he can actually defend Small Forwards. Assuming Allen and Ingram leave then it will come down to Kennard or Jackson to start at SG.

Also important point to make is that the media members will likely be swayed dramatically by how well the incoming freshmen play at the McDonald's Game, Jordan Brand, and Nike Hoops summit. Obviously Giles likely won't be able to play. And if either Grayson Allen or Brandon Ingram return then Duke will get #1 unless both Lee and one of the 3 starting guards surprisingly returned for us.