Nearly half of Team USA’s roster at Friday’s Nike Hoop Summit may end up playing for Duke next season. The Blue Devils are involved with five of the 12 USA players that will participate in the 20th annual America-against-the-world event in Portland, Oregon. Each of the last seven NBA first overall draft picks played in the Hoop Summit in high school, and it’s considered one of the top showcase events for basketball prospects. Two of the members of Team USA have already signed with the Blue Devils. Wendell Carter, a 6-9 big man, and shooting guard Gary Trent Jr. gave coach Mike Krzyzewski their letters of intent last November. Both Carter and Trent played for Team USA in the FIBA Americas U16 Championship in 2016 and the U17 World Championship in 2016. Both were also chosen McDonald’s All-Americans and played in last week’s all-star game. With freshmen Harry Giles and Jayson Tatum declaring for the NBA Draft, joined by sophomore Luke Kennard, Krzyzewski is looking to restock Duke’s roster. The Blue Devils are believed to be in good position in the recruitment of three other uncommitted Team USA players.Kevin Knox is perhaps the nation’s best senior wing player. The 6-8 son of a former Florida State football standout has already taken official visits to Duke and North Carolina. Knox is also considering the Seminoles and Kentucky. A late entry into his recruitment is Missouri, as new coach Cuonzo Martin has convinced Knox to also take an official visit there. Knox will take that visit immediately after the Hoop Summit and could announce his decision within the next few weeks. Trevon Duval is a five-star point guard, an area of need for the Blue Devils last season. Duval is choosing between Duke, Arizona, Baylor, Kansas and Seton Hall. Duval hasn’t set a timetable for his decision, and it’s possible he may wait another month. Center Mohamed Bamba is a 6-11, 207-pounder. Like Knox (no. 8), Duval (no. 5), Carter (no. 4) and Trent (no. 9), Bamba (No. 3) is one of the 10 best senior prospects in the country, according to the 247Sports Composite Index. Kentucky, Michigan and Texas join Duke as his finalists. He also hasn’t announced a timetable for deciding. The World Team, who will play Team USA on Friday night, features the top under-19 players from outside the United States. While no local teams are believed to be heavily involved in their recruitment, two World players have committed to ACC Teams: Ikechukwu Obiagu, a Nigerian seven footer, will play for Florida State, and Canadian guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker has signed with Virginia Tech.
