The top high school basketball recruit, Marvin Bagley III, has decided to reclassify to the class of 2017. Additionally, he has announced that he'll be playing for Coach Krzyzewski's Duke Blue Devils in the upcoming college basketball season.
Bagley, a 6'11 forward, made the announcement last night on SportsCenter, citing the Blue Devils' "brotherhood" as a major factor in why he'll be playing college hoops in Durham, North Carolina.
Per ESPN,
"That's what Coach K preached to me and my family on my visit," Bagley said. "You know, I just had a good feeling there ever since they first offered me a scholarship in ninth grade. I've always liked Duke. It's a special place. And you have to be special to be a part of it. So I'm just blessed. I thank God every day for allowing me to see schools like that and just be in a position to go to a place like that. So I'm very thankful."
While pulling a blue Duke jersey out of his bag during the announcement, Bagley also revealed that he'll be wearing #35, a jersey that had been retired in honor of Danny Ferry, who played for Duke from 1985-1989 and was '89 Naismith Award winner.
"I would like to thank Danny Ferry and Coach K for allowing me to wear his retired No. 35 at Duke University."
Bagley is expected to graduate from Sierra Canyon High School in Los Angeles later this month after which the NCAA Eligibility Center will review his final transcript to assess whether he has met all requirements to play at the Division I level.
With Bagley on board, Duke is now the favorites to win the National title next season, jumping from 7-1 odds to 3-1.
Check out Marvin Bagley III's announcement below.
