Blue Devil Country

Duke Basketball Recruiting: VJ Edgecombe Reportedly Drops One Finalist

Duke basketball looks to be battling only one other challenger for VJ Edgecombe.

Matt Giles

Photo credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
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In late December, longtime Duke basketball target VJ Edgecombe announced a final three, pitting Jon Scheyer's Blue Devils against fellow recruiting juggernaut Kentucky and darkhorse hopeful Baylor. Now, though, as the Long Island Lutheran (N.Y.) guard gets ready for his Sunday announcement, chatter suggests only two remain in play.

On Saturday afternoon, On3's Joe Tipton reported from the prestigious Hoophall Classic in Massachusetts that Edgecombe, No. 5 overall on the 247Sports 2024 Composite, is no longer considering John Calipari's Wildcats.

The 6-foot-5, 180-pound explosive five-star plans to reveal a winner at halftime of the battle between Montverde Academy (Fla.) and Prolific Prep (Calif.). That game tips off at 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2). So, Duke basketball fans should find out Edgecombe's highly anticipated decision roughly an hour later.

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If the Bahamian sensation chooses the Blue Devils, who remain the consensus favorite in the eyes of the 247Sports Crystal Ball and Rivals FutureCast, then the Duke recruiters would lock up a second No. 1 class across the three cycles that Scheyer has been calling all the shots (they finished No. 2 the other year, 2023).

Currently, Scheyer's celebrated haul consists of one four-star and four five-star signees, including the top-ranked high school senior in Montverde forward Cooper Flagg.

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Meanwhile, VJ Edgecombe isn't the only undecided 2024 prep remaining on Duke's wishlist. The other is a projected five-star in NBA Academy Africa center Khaman Maluach, a recently reclassified 7-footer who has not provided a timeline for his decision.

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Stay tuned to Blue Devil Country on SI.com for more Duke basketball recruiting news.

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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.

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