Recruit Comparison - Duke vs UK

[Galbpt02]

Here are some thoughts on our class vs Duke. I realize I am a homer and bias, but still interesting. Rankings is based on Rivals. I am not counting Wynard in this discussion.

Duke's Current Class

• #2 - Harry Giles - PF
• #3 - Jayson Tatum - SF
• #10 - Frank Jackson - PG
• #41 - Javin DeLaurier - PF

UK's Current Class

• #5 - De'Aaron Fox - PG
• #7 - Bam Adebayo - PF
• #17 - Wenyen Gabriel - PF
• #26 - Sacha Killeya-Jones - PF

Here is my quick analysis - Duke's average player ranking is 14, our average ranking is 13.75.

Also in looking at comparisons it seems to be split, with the advantage going to UK.

• Harry Giles > Bam Adebayo - however one could argue that Giles injury will move him down. Bam is a physical beast and likely to be able to guard Giles. Giles has a more polished offensive game but now has two knee injuries. Giles wins the rankings but I think you have to think long and hard who is going to be better as a freshmen and in their only year of college.
• Jayson Tatum > Wenyen Gabriel - I love Gabriel and his motor, but Tatum is better.
• De'Aaron Fox > Frank Jackson - to me this isn't close, Fox wins by a landslide. The difference in Fox to Jackson, is similar to the spread between Gabriel and Tatum. However if you gave me the choice of Fox and Gabriel or Tatum and Jackson - I take Fox and Gabriel all day.
• SKJ > Javin DeLaurier - again we win by a wide margin. All writers are seeming to indicate that SKJ will move up before the final rankings. Regardless, he is a better all around player if nothing changes.

Both classes are incredible - however I would NOT trade UK's class for that of Duke. I like the combination of skill and athleticism that our class has more than that of Duke. Duke's players seem to have more question marks surrounding them as well.

Add Monk and I think we win by a landslide for top class. We are SO spoiled at UK - we have 4 5 stars signed in the Fall and still in the hunt for more. GO BIG BLUE!

 

[stenchymouse]

We're still gonna get another highly ranked player as well!

We have a great chance to top their class, which I would have though was impossible after it became obvious that they were going to get Giles and Tatum.

 

[kentucky_wildcat_#1]

I think the Bam vs Giles debate could be a lot closer than many are thinking right now. Bam has just as much upside as any big in the recruiting class. With this kid's hopes and body, he is going to be a force in his one year of college. He's the type of big that could be trouble for Giles and get a talent like Giles in foul trouble early on. Bam is the type of big the Nba will drool over. He could end up being Dwight Howard minus the headcase.

 

[SilentsAreGolden]

I haven't seen enough of any of them to know, but just off that clip package, if anybody is signicantly better than Adebayo, that would surprise me.