We reported earlier this week that Jon Scheyer wasn’t losing any momentum on Duke All-Americans deciding to take their talents to Durham to join the brotherhood. This sentiment rose its head again with 2022 5-star, All-American and ESPN’s #6 overall prospect Dariq Whitehead, who committed to play for Duke next season. Whitehead chose Duke over Florida State, Kansas and professional league offers.
Five-star Dariq Whitehead is officially DUKE bound.
— SLAM HS Hoops (@SLAM_HS) August 1, 2021pic.twitter.com/B0UID49Oe5
The commitment of Whitehead makes this the second All-American recruit for coach in waiting Jon Scheyer in just the last 4 days, with big man Kyle Filipowski committing this week.
The 5-star had mentioned previously Duke being his dream school as a kid, but ultimately wanted to make the best decision for himself and his future. Just yesterday, Dariq tweeted a G-league contract offer that would potentially make him 500,000 dollars for a season.
Blessed to receive an offer from the G-league
— Dariq whitehead (@dariq_whitehead) July 31, 2021pic.twitter.com/oF6ojdn1dF
With the exposure Duke will give him next season- multiple games being played on National television, as well as NCAA athletes being able to profit off their likeness and images and sign endorsements, he will certainly be able to recoup any loss in wages from the potential G-league offer while at Duke next season.
What are the Blue-Devils getting in Dariq Whitehead?
Dariq is a unconscious shooter who can create his own shot off the dribble. He has a stroke like no other. His midrange game resembles former Blue-Devil and NBA All-Star Jayson Tatum with his transition pull-up perimeter shooting capabilities. What sets Dariq apart from other top recruits in the class is his willingness to play both ends of the floor – feeding off his defense, leading to easy buckets on the offensive end. His work ethic is second to none.
Whitehead will become the 3rd player from Montverde Academy to join the brotherhood, with Kyrie Irving and RJ Barrett being the other two prospects to play under Coach K. Both became top-5 NBA Lottery picks after one season. The Future is now in Durham!