The Future: 2010 Commits
This is the second installment of Crazie Talk’s official recruiting guide. (Click here for the first.)
With the incoming freshman class constituted by two McDonald’s All-American forwards, Ryan Kelly and Mason Plumlee (and potentially former 2010-er Andre Dawkins) let’s take a look at the two more future Blue Devils and current AAU teammates that will join the program from the high school Class of 2010.
Hairston and Thornton are teammates on the D.C. Assault AAU team. (Photo courtesy of bluedevilnation.net)
Josh Hairston
6’8’’-195 lbs.-PF. Rated 4-Stars by Scout.com.
Josh projects as a combo forward at Duke. In addition to a bevy of post moves, Josh possesses range out to the three-point line. His game centers on his ability to grab tough rebounds and make athletic plays around the rim. The coaching staff likened his role in the offense to that of Kyle Singler—a mobile big man who can hit jump shots. If Josh adds 20 pounds of muscle to his frame, he will be an imposing forward in the ACC.
Josh recently led his Courtland High School (Spotsylvania,Va.) team to a Virginia Division 4 state title, earning state player of the year honors along the way. However, he plans to transfer to perennial power Montrose Christian in Rockville, Md. for his senior season. Under legendary high school coach Stu Vetter, who taught the likes of Kevin Durant and national champion/assistant coach Nate James, Hairston will inevitably improve his game. The change bodes well for his career at Duke and beyond.
Tyler Thornton
6’2’’-180 lbs.-PG. Rated 4-Stars by Scout.com
Tyler is a heady, intelligent point guard from Washington, DC. He is a natural leader on the court, always calm and composed. Playing for Gonzaga High School in the ultra-competitive D.C. Catholic league, Tyler is consistently matching up with some of the nation’s best talent, including 2010 UNC recruit Kendall Marshall (Thornton reportedly loves to lock down Marshall–it will continue in college). Thornton is an above average defender and a fierce competitor. He also handles like Steve Nash would if he were American.
Tyler will be a leader at Duke and an important piece of inevitable title runs. His composure and steady play will be an asset during the gauntlet of ACC battles.
Check Crazie-Talk on Wednesday for a preview on 2010 recruits on the horizon–including Harrison “The Kid from Ames” Barnes, and Kyrie “New Jersey’s Finest” Irving.
Watching these two videos gets me very excited about the future of Duke basketball. In addition to being fantastic basketball players, Tyler and Josh are intelligent and articulate young men—a trait present in many Blue Devil stars. We look forward to seeing them in Cameron.
I think Crazie-talk just went CRAZY. Please explain how Steve Nash’s Canadian birth certificate influences his handle!?! Isn’t he also considered a North “American”?
T-dawg: that was just a little joke. I love Steve Nash.
I don’t know Jake. Dunks and fast break layups are one thing, but can these kids play the K style D. With this years ‘Zone’ team, these guys will need to bring back the 2008 pressure man style. Now that with the bigs will be fun to watch in 2011-12.
Sam- that’s a very good point. This year’s probable zone experiment will be interesting, but I think K will want to go back to the pressure man to man once he has the personnel. Thornton especially is an impressive defender.
Jake, I think Thorton will be a lock down defender… unlike your beloved Nash!
Haha I hope so, T-dawg. Nash can only do so much, but Tyler will have a winning environment around him (unlike the Suns)
[...] This is the third installment of Crazie Talk’s official recruiting guide. Here are the first and second. [...]
[...] joins Tyler Thornton and Josh Hairston in Duke’s future Class of 2014. Irving’s announcement is the first commitment for Coach [...]
[...] commitment makes Duke’s 2010 class a solid three-man group thus far, as he joins Hairston and Thornton in an already talented [...]
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