Blue Devil Country

Incoming Duke Basketball Forward Delivers Title-Clinching Strikeout

Duke basketball signee TJ Power looks like a winner on the hardwood and diamond.

Matt Giles

Incoming Duke Basketball Forward Delivers Title-Clinching Strikeout
Incoming Duke Basketball Forward Delivers Title-Clinching Strikeout /
In this story:

TJ Power, who finished No. 19 overall on the 247Sports 2023 Composite, will first and foremost be a Duke basketball student-athlete upon his arrival in Durham this summer. But the 6-foot-8, 210-pound stretch forward has expressed interest in continuing his baseball pursuits when he becomes a Blue Devil.

Whether that happens remains to be seen.

After all, Duke basketball head coach Jon Scheyer surely would like to see Power, the 2021-22 Massachusetts Boys' Gatorade Player of the Year, remain injury-free and develop into a potentially multi-year regular contributor for the Blue Devils on the court. And a future in the NBA appears well within reach.

RELATED: Jon Scheyer Expects Significant Roles for All Four Freshmen

On Sunday evening, though, the towering lefty — boasting a reported 87-mph fastball — showed again why being a pitcher in college should be a real possibility.

As the clutch closer for Worcester Academy (Mass.), TJ Power threw a strikeout to seal his team's 12-6 win over Dexter Southfield (Mass.) in the Central New England Prep Baseball championship game.

The K was his third in two innings of relief duty. He also went 1-for-3 at the plate with one RBI.

A few hours earlier, he was on the mound to close out a 5-2 victory in Worcester's semifinal matchup against Deerfield Academy (Mass.).

Suppose that Sunday was TJ Power's last time playing competitive baseball. Considering his winning performances came on a field that included multiple Division I signees and future MLB draft prospects, it's safe to say he went out on a high note.

There's no doubt he enjoyed the ride with his teammates.

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

Published
Matt Giles
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.

Home/Recruiting