Story on Trevor Keels/final scholarship

[ConorONeill]

Jon Scheyer and the rest of the staff met with the media on Tuesday for more than an hour, so there will be plenty of stories coming from that.

The first is here and is subscriber-only, on what Jai Lucas and his different perspective shows about Scheyer.

The second is here and is free, about Duke's final open scholarship and Trevor Keels' looming decision.

 

[acc hoops]

I thought Worthington’s scholarship was only for last year and had to be renewed year to year.

 

[christophero]

Very good week last week with Young and Lucas coming on board. I like Catchings as well; anything he gives us is a bonus. Plus he can challenge the freshman in practice.

 

[ConorONeill]

I thought Worthington’s scholarship was only for last year and had to be renewed year to year.

That's an interesting point and I've been meaning to check on that ... will let you know when I find out. I've been curious about that.

 

[CorrectShadeofBlue]

This is likely a dumb question, but might Keels be weighing actual or potential NIL deals? Assuming he goes as projected, I’m guessing he won’t be clearing $2 million a year?

 

[christophero]

Is it possible we get a transfer like Mosely and Keels back? I'd gladly take one but two would put us at or near preseason #1. My guess is one or the other, but we can't wait too long on a transfer guard.

 

[johnl1219]

Is it possible we get a transfer like Mosely and Keels back? I'd gladly take one but two would put us at or near preseason #1. My guess is one or the other, but we can't wait too long on a transfer guard.

I would agree, we probably have the space to add two more players (taking away Keenan's scholarship) but I don't think we could get Keels and a high impact transfer like Mosley.

The good news is that I believe the date to pull out of the draft is June 1, so only a few more weeks.

 

[christophero]

SI"s Jeremy Woo said today that Keels is still on the fence about returning or staying in the draft.

 

[timo0402]

SI"s Jeremy Woo said today that Keels is still on the fence about returning or staying in the draft.

Bc he is. I think it’s pretty clear he can help his draft stock if he returns and improved in a couple key areas- shooting and consistency. Shed some of the baby fat and keep getting stronger is a distant 3rd.

 

[christophero]

I think a second year Keels is better than any transfer guard. But Mosley is a nice plan B. He just put up those numbers at a small school. Otherwise he'd be on mock drafts. He could prove this if he comes to duke. He could do that at Kansas as well. Creighton is a trendy top 10 pick now with 4 key players back and Baylor S.

 

[LetsGoDuke83]

Trevor can come play in 30+ games here, be a god on campus, then go in the lotto 2023. His call tho, I’ll always pull for him

 

[christophero]

Trevor reportedly looking slimmed down in workouts. Probably helps his draft stock.

 

[BOOGIEMAN1914]

saw an article that ID'ed him as a draft dropper....down from 30 to around 46? iirc...but then said could be drafted in the 25-35 range...????

 

[GAAP]

saw an article that ID'ed him as a draft dropper....down from 30 to around 46? iirc...but then said could be drafted in the 25-35 range...????

Saw that, too. Confusing quote. 🤷

 

[dadecodevil]

saw an article that ID'ed him as a draft dropper....down from 30 to around 46? iirc...but then said could be drafted in the 25-35 range...????

I read that same article. I wonder if these kids get pressure to jump in when they are not totally ready. It makes zero sense to me to leave to play in the D league. If you are a lottery pick, go get the bag, but otherwise college may be the most fun you have in your entire life and Keels back puts us squarely in the conversation. Here's to hoping he is back in Durham by month's end!

 

[christophero]

Keels is a bit of a wildcard in where he is projected. Not sure how that projects with him coming back. If he is happy with mid/early second round, maybe late first round he may go.

 

[LetsGoDuke83]

Keels is a bit of a wildcard in where he is projected. Not sure how that projects with him coming back. If he is happy with mid/early second round, maybe late first round he may go.

Remember when players would leave only with a lotto guarantee? Good times

 

[christophero]

The first 10 picks or so in the second round have a good success rate the last few years, but only the first round is guaranteed.

 

[sheyduke]

The first 10 picks or so in the second round have a good success rate the last few years, but only the first round is guaranteed.

The second round just allows for the NBA teams to have more negotiating room with the second round pics . I think league minimum is 250,00 for a second round pick. but when you look at picks like Gary Trent , Portland gave have him a decent rookie deal for going in the second round.

 

[Fourteen44]

The second round just allows for the NBA teams to have more negotiating room with the second round pics . I think league minimum is 250,00 for a second round pic but when you look at pics like Gary Trent . Portal and have him a decent rookie deal for going in the second round

A lot of money for these kids, even G League. Society today (thank you social media) places money and status above all else so they’re more eager to get there IMO.....

 

[sheyduke]

A lot of money for these kids, even G League. Society today (thank you social media) places money and status above all else so they’re more eager to get there IMO.....

Your right . Figure as long as you sign with a team and it isn’t a two way contract , your still getting league money to play in the gleague . Look at Vernon Carey . He’s spent most his career already in the gleague but got I think 3.3 million with his contract from the hornets .

 

[Fourteen44]

Your right . Figure as long as you sign with a team and it isn’t a two way contract , your still getting league money to play in the gleague . Look at Vernon Carey . He’s spent most his career already in the gleague but got I think 3.3 million with his contract from the hornets .

That’s crazy money for playing in the “minors”.....I’d jump too!

 

[christophero]

It really depends on what Keels wants. Most of the guys coming back have not been as highly rated in the draft as him. I think Love and Bascot were mid to late second round. Not sure if he will get a first round guarantee but I can't see him sliding too far, maybe first 10 picks of the second round at worst.

 

[acc hoops]

The latest mock drafts I saw have him at 41 and 51.

 

[Fourteen44]

 

[sheyduke]

It’s all going to depend on his individual team work outs which I think are starting . I would look for him to do some workouts for the Spurs, OKC, Kings, Portland and a couple more under performing teams . Keels is the definition of a low risk high reward second round pick. His athleticism and consistency is what teams will be watching like most have said on here.

 

[christophero]

Keels would have to really impress in workouts to get a first round guarantee. If he doesn't get the guarantee but goes anyway, that tells me his mind was mostly made up to go. Nothing wrong with either option; there is risk in both. Keels could improve to around the 20th pick if he came back and had a good year imo, but guys don't always think this way.
According to Jon Rothstein we are not one of the teams heavily pursuing Mosley. Does this mean Keels may be back?

 

[Liftee]

I am confused by this whole thing and who Duke is seriously pursuing. I do know that so far Scheyer has made all the right moves and I have no reason to believe he will not do the right thing on this either. Especially after he said at his press conference that Duke's roster is not final. I doubt he's talking about adding another walk on.

 

[christophero]

I haven't heard Duke on record as pursuing anyone other than Jon's comments that the roster might not be completed. Mosley and Green were top SG prospects who some fans assumed we were pursuing. I know both are testing the draft so there may be some time. The favorites for Mosley are Kansas and Kansas State and maybe Miss State and Texas Tech.

 

[sheyduke]

I haven't heard Duke on record as pursuing anyone other than Jon's comments that the roster might not be completed. Mosley and Green were top SG prospects who some fans assumed we were pursuing. I know both are testing the draft so there may be some time. The favorites for Mosley are Kansas and Kansas State and maybe Miss State.

Could just be another NIL situation where Duke can’t commit to anything with out Knowing what Keels is going to officially do.

 

[BOOGIEMAN1914]

is getting a bit weird w/ not actively hearing any sg being heavily sought after....my only thought is that the staff knows something and isnt going into next year w/o a guy in that spot....i guess they know trevors intentions and he is just taking a looksy??

 

[christophero]

is getting a bit weird w/ not actively hearing any sg being heavily sought after....my only thought is that the staff knows something and isnt going into next year w/o a guy in that spot....i guess they know trevors intentions and he is just taking a looksy??

I hope so. Mosely out means it's likely Keels back or AJ Green. And AJ is hardly a sure thing for us if Keels leaves. Signs seem to be pointing towards a Keels return, but it still could go either way. USA Today's mock draft yesterday had him at 44.

 

[9dukejames]

is getting a bit weird w/ not actively hearing any sg being heavily sought after....my only thought is that the staff knows something and isnt going into next year w/o a guy in that spot....i guess they know trevors intentions and he is just taking a looksy??

It looks like this scenario could be correct and may have been true from the beginning. I certainly hope so. Plenty of talent down low, though young, add an experienced pair of guards and I feel confident that Duke will have a very good year. I would love to put the Chokes back in their place after all the crowing they spewed.

 

[christophero]

I think this year we had the right mix of young talent and returning guys. We also stayed healthy for the most part. If Keels returns we will have a similar team, if a bit younger. If Keels does not return, we will need a great transfer guard or I think we will be too young to make a deep run. Without Keels we will need our freshman up front to be great, not just good.

 

[sheyduke]

To me the key is Whitehead. If he can slide to the sg spot should we not get Keels back or a transfer Duke will be fine . You have Catchings and Young to go with Mitchell, Flip and Lively . Leaves you Baker and Mitchell to split time at the sf spot and Roach and Blake’s at pg with Schutt at back up sg . I think Duke will be fine .

 

[9dukejames]

^ I believe Whitehead could swing to sg if needed. In fact, I think that is his pro position. The main reason that I would like Keels back is for spacing so that other teams won't be able to collapse in on Duke's young bigs. We will find out soon. I think the combine is next week? I know that Keels was invited to it. I would look for an announcement shortly thereafter.

 

[christophero]

Whitehead is good but probably more of a 3 than a 2. I like Keels at the 2, Whitehead at the 3. Plus it keeps us from starting 4 freshman which is dicey, esp. with a new coach. I don't think Baker is ready to start. Mitchell looks good but seems more of a slasher than a shooter. Mitchell would be an ideal 6th man.

 

[sheyduke]

Whitehead is good but probably more of a 3 than a 2. I like Keels at the 2, Whitehead at the 3. Plus it keeps us from starting 4 freshman which is dicey, esp. with a new coach. I don't think Baker is ready to start. Mitchell looks good but seems more of a slasher than a shooter. Mitchell would be an ideal 6th man.

He’s actually only 6’5. So him probably playing the three in the league isn’t ideal. However he can handle the ball and defend 1-3 which makes him the ideal sg in the league . Also think this is another reason why it was easy to get him and Mitchel to commit together knowing one could slide over the the sg spot allowing both to play at the same time .

 

[christophero]

Is Cam a good comparison for Whitehead? Keep in mind Cam was really, really good in high school. Or is he more like RJ?

 

[acc hoops]

I watched 2 of his games and I compare him to a young Jimmy Butler. He has a much better handle than Cam. He and Mitchell are going to be great teammates.