Jaylen Blakes commits to Duke

Duke Basketball news has been frequent and positive over the last week, as Mike Krzyzewski and his staff have added four pieces to the 2021-22 roster.

The latest to join the Blue Devils is Blair Academy’s Jaylen Blakes, a 6-foot-2, 195-pound point guard.

Blakes, who was offered by Duke just last week, made his decision to join the program rather quickly. Before the Blue Devils jumped squarely into his recruitment with the offer, Blakes had scholarships from Pittsburgh, Boston College, Illinois, Georgia, UConn, St. John’s, Penn State, VCU and Rutgers among others.

The future Blue Devil comes with high praise from scouts in the New Jersey area.

“I’ve seen him a lot," New Jersey based scout Pat Lawless (of Pat Lawless Scouting) said. "Cerebral player. Really knows how to play. Shoots it. Could be a solid 4 year guy for them. Super kid off the court. Type of kid who will buy in whatever his role is.”

Blakes gives Duke critical depth at the point guard position, as Jordan Goldwire opted to transfer for his graduate year of eligibility. Like Goldwire, he has the potential to be a long term presence in the Blue Devils' lineup.

"Long, lean combo guard with plenty of speed and a tight handle," Steve Keller of New Jersey based National Recruiting Report said. "Can get hot with the jumper. Handle makes him a point, but not a great passer.

"Plays hard and will not back down. Depends who his competition is for the spot. Don't expect him to be a star, but will find ways to get on the floor.”

He becomes the fourth recent addition to the squad, joining five star Trevor Keels and transfers Theo John and Bates Jones.

Additionally, he becomes the fourth member of the class of 2021 with Paolo Banchero, AJ Griffin and the aforementioned Keels.