Duke Basketball: Predictions Pop up for Giant Transfer Target

The Duke basketball staff might soon secure its final 2023-24 roster piece.

Matt Giles | May 18, 2023

Duke Basketball: Predictions Pop up for Giant Transfer Target /

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Outbound Kansas transfer Ernest Udeh Jr., who has three years of eligibility remaining, wrapped up his two-day Duke basketball visit on Wednesday. Then on Thursday, the first three 247Sports Crystal Ball picks appeared in the race, all pointing to the 6-foot-11, 250-pound center eventually committing to Jon Scheyer and the Blue Devils.

So will Duke land him in the coming days? That wouldn't be a surprise.

However, before his trip to Durham, Udeh told Cerebro Sports' Andrew Slater that he plans to check out TCU and Kansas State in person following the recruiting dead period, which began on Thursday and runs through May 26.

Furthermore, on Wednesday, 247Sports' Travis Branham reported that the former McDonald's All-American has heard from more than a dozen schools since entering the transfer portal last week. That list includes other somewhat big-name programs, such as Auburn, Arkansas, Florida State, and Tennessee.

ERNEST TO THE RIM 💪 pic.twitter.com/zgukqVJniM
— Kansas Men’s Basketball (@KUHoops) December 2, 2022

Ernest Udeh Jr. averaged only 2.6 points and 1.8 rebounds across 30 appearances for the Jayhawks last season. But his potential, especially as an imposing shot-blocker, was displayed in Kansas' win over Duke in November when he recorded four blocks in only 13 minutes off the bench.

Note that Udeh had to play backup all season to the team's No. 1 weapon in senior Jalen Wilson, who averaged 35.4 minutes and started every game at the five-spot for the 28-8 Jayhawks.

Judging by the disappointment among Kansas fans when Udeh announced his plan to transfer, there's no doubt he would have been in line for a much more significant role in Lawrence next season.

If he joins the Duke basketball program, he could immediately compete for a starting nod as an ideal replacement for NBA-bound one-and-done Dereck Lively II down low. But even without Ernest Udeh Jr., the Blue Devils look like the clear favorite to begin the 2023-24 season at No. 1 in the AP Top 25.

Stay tuned to Blue Devil Country for daily Duke basketball content.

Published May 18, 2023

MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.