Nelson to announce for Duke today

In a bizarre turn of events, 6'3 California point guard DeMarcus Nelson will make his commitment to Duke official today. Due to the high volume of media inquiries and press, it is impossible for Nelson to prolong the announcement any further.

Nelson becomes the youngest recruit in Duke history, as only a rising junior.

Due to his age Nelson still has some academic variables to overcome including sending in his two year transcripts which were the hold up in the first place. However with the intense media coverage of his recruitment in the last few days, there was no way for him to continue to wait to make the announcement.

Nelson is an extremely talented floor general who uses his chiseled frame to get to the basket and over power his opponents. He's got a nice looking stroke from behind the arc. He has the size, the athleticism and the ability to play both the shooting guard and point guard positions, though the Blue Devils will bring him in as a point guard for the 2004-2005 season.

Last season Nelson averaged 30 points, 15 rebounds, 6 assists, and 5 steals for Vallejo (CA) High School.

Nelson is also considered to be one of the top quarterbacks in the country. However he will concentrate solely on basketball following his upcoming junior season according to his father who spoke with TDD on Tuesday night.

“He’s actually a better football player than he is a basketball player and before he gave up baseball he was considered a good pro prospect, however his heart’s in basketball,” said the elder Nelson, “this will probably be his last season playing football so that he can concentrate fully on basketball.”

His incredible athleticism was the driving force behind Duke’s early interest, however it’s what DeMarcus can do in the classroom that made him the complete package and too good not to offer a scholarship.

"DeMarcus’ grades slipped a little bit last semester," said his dad with a chuckle, "he’s down to a 3.5 GPA, but usually he’s around a 3.7 or 3.8. Qualifying [academically] won't be a problem."

The Devils Den has much more on Nelson in our Member's Only War Room.