On social media this week, former Syracuse forward Malik Brown and Purdue forward Mason Gillis each gained the same following – the official account of the Duke basketball program. They are the only transfer target the Blue Devils are pursuing, and the positive atmosphere is building between John Scheyer's staff and the two who have proven to be team-first competitors. Suggests.
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Gillis is a 6-foot-6, 225-pound bruiser who earned Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year honors while averaging 6.5 points and 3.9 rebounds as a senior for the NCAA runner-up Boilermakers. However, he has only been in the transfer portal for a week. . The 23-year-old is testing his chances for the NBA draft, but he's staying put this year will be the veteran graduate's last year of college eligibility.
It is worth noting that Gillis has not yet revealed any plans to check out potential destinations.
Brown, who averaged 9.5 points, 7.2 rebounds and 2.2 steals as a sophomore at Syracuse and made the ACC All-Defensive Team, has two years of eligibility remaining and is currently in Durham until Friday for a visit with the Blue Devils. ing. That in itself bodes well for Scheyer and his staff. Especially considering this will be the 6-foot-8, 220-pounder's first visit as a visiting transfer and Duke's visit as this year's host, which has only been announced so far. transfer cycle.
And Brown's Instagram Story on Wednesday featured short clips of some of the personalized posters Duke University basketball suitors had waiting for the 20-year-old Brown in his hotel room on Tobacco Road. advertised his arrival.
Whether or not a dual social media following and continued visits equate to Duke's commitment in the coming days, the Blue Devils' move could be a sign of what they're looking for in this year's portal: toughness and experience. We are beginning to draw a clearer picture. Perhaps they hope to fill the three currently vacant scholarship spots on the 2024-25 roster.
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stay tuned SI's Blue Devil Country Stay up to date on the Blue Devils' ongoing transfer portal efforts and other Duke basketball news.