Dukes Explodes in Vegas; Reportedly Commits
Updated at 8:24a.m. - Following a 42 and 48 point performance out in Vegas, CBC/Capital Prep’s Kahlil Dukes has reportedly committed to USC.
His offensive outburst only further displayed that he is one of the top scorers in the Northeast region. Dukes has been a fixture in New England basketball since his magnificent freshman season at Capital Prep, but that reputation is no longer just word of mouth, as he landed several offers before making his decision.
Before committing to USC, his most recent offers came from Loyola Marymount, Drexel, UTEP, St. Bonaventure, and Ohio University – adding to offers from Vermont, Lehigh, Sacred Heart, Saint Peter’s, Quinnipiac, Robert Morris, and Rice. He also indicated that as of late, Providence had shown him some interest as well.
Dukes said as recently as Saturday that he would be trimming his list to five schools before ultimately making a decision this fall.
“I really just want to go somewhere where I can work hard and get better," Dukes said on Saturday. "I’d like to play for [a coach] who wants to help me accomplish my goals, and in return hopefully I can help them accomplish their goals.”
Dukes did acknowledge at the time that he had gotten to know the staff at USC very well.
However, the plan was to visit USC in September after they watched him play three games in Las Vegas, including both of his 40-plus point outbreaks.
An electric scorer and respected leader on his CBC squad, Dukes was disappointed to take a loss at Super 64, ending his career in a Connecticut Basketball Club uniform:
“Vegas was fun, I always enjoy my time there. But we could have played better,” he said, “we have played better.”
Despite that though, Dukes’feelings on this summer can best be summed up by what he said on Twitter this afternoon, on the pride he takes in being a leader:
“@kahlildukes: I am proud of my teammates for playing up and playing so well all summer, and I'm proud of myself for being able to lead younger guys.”
Dukes will have the opportunity to continue his strong play in a couple months; his high school team at Capital Prep went 22-4 this past season, making a run all the way to the Class S state title game before falling to Immaculate.
Capital’s high-powered offense got a lot of headlines last year, as they averaged around 85 points per game, and they will come back with more of the same play this year behind one of the top guards in New England.
Kahlil Dukes