Dukes Get Verbal Commitment From Connecticut Star!

The Dukes got a verbal commitment from 6'5'' SF Brandon "BJ" Monteiro of Waterbury, CT. He played basketball at the same high school as Dukes freshman Damian Saunders. In his short time here, Teflon Ron has shown that he likes to recruit teammates...Here is what espn.com had to say about him...

Evaluation: December, 2007: B.J. is a pure scorer who doesn't shoot it exceptionally well or blow by anyone with his quickness, but flat out knows how to put the ball in the basket. He has good size for the perimeter and enough handle to bring the ball up the floor and initiate offense. Although he rarely creates separation from his defender he gets into the lane well and is very crafty inside the lane utilizing a wide variety of spin moves, floaters, and step back jumpers to convert. Although he isn't a great shooter, he is capable of making open shots when he elevates as opposed to the set shot that he has become accustomed to launching. Physically his lean frame is in need of some muscle. Athletically, onlookers shouldn't be fooled by his deliberate movements as he is capable of rising up and throwing it down with some deceptive athleticism. Overall, he is a talented offensive player whose biggest adjustment at the college level will be in playing as part of a system, since he is pretty much given free reign at the high school level.

This is an evaluation done before the season. He is shooting at a much better pace this season and is deamed a 'perfect' fit for Duquesne's style of play by his coach. St. Joe's, Penn State, and Fordham were on his short list. He would be the fifth recruit coming in next year's class. The class is lead by point guard and Mr. Michigan Basketaball candidate, Eric Evans. Johnny Higgins, one of the top post-graduate players in the country and supposed "knock down" shooter, has also signed a letter of intent. Teflon Ron has now succefully recruited all positions 1-5 in next years class...well, done. The Dukes still have a remote shot at Schenley stand-out Deandre Kane, who rescinded his verbal commitment to Duquesne as his recruitment status elevated.

I honestly think the Dukes will make the NCAA tourney next year. And for those that think Shawn James is leaving for the NBA, espn insider doesn't even have him listed in the top 150 NBA draft prospects nor is he on the list of top centers or juniors. He is staying....ps he needs to. They lose R. Jackson, G. Tucker, and Keiron Archara-all contributors but all can be easily replaced with better talent. I think Teflon Ron has done that.

I will miss G. Tuck's crazy dunks though!

Let' Go Dukes.