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David Duke Reportedly Cancels Nova Visit

Via Rivals' Corey Evans, Duke will not be making tomorrow's scheduled visit to the Main Line and instead will be at Providence.

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One would have to believe this all but eliminates the Wildcats from contention, and barring some late development would leave the Cats' class of 2018 a two man haul. If the writing on the wall becomes reality, the disappointment of failing to land a point guard in the 2018 class is very real. With the potential of Jalen Brunson leaving following the season and question marks surrounding Phil Booth's health, this could lead to a concerted effort to develop Collin Gillespie this season to prepare him for a bigger role in 2018-19.

For those who prefer the "glass half full" viewpoint, the 2018 class is still a very good one. So far the news regarding Booth's health is all positive, and it is possible that he will be around beyond this season to help with the ball handling duties. And this is where DiVincenzo being forced into some ball handling last year by Booth's absence turns into a positive, as he has some experience in that capacity should the Cats find themselves lacking in this department.

Technically there remains a diminishing possibility that Nova lands Duke. If that unlikely scenario doesn't play out, there is a chance Jay Wright looks for another under-the-radar prospect for 2018, kind of like he did with Gillespie. Or if the program is comfortable with Booth's health, they may simply elect to develop Gillespie a bit more than they had planned, move forward with him, Booth, and DiVincenzo as potential ball handlers in 2018, and move on to the class of 2019.

Wright In Providence For In-Home Visit With David Duke

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With Quinerly and Weaver out of the picture and Jalen Carey looking increasingly unlikely, David Duke is the Cats' lone remaining target in 2018. Unsurprisingly, Wright and staff look to making a strong final push to lure Duke away from presumed favorite Providence and other finalists Florida, Virginia Tech, and Indiana.

There are indications that Indiana may be falling out of the picture, leaving a four-team race to land the top 40 guard. Duke has visits scheduled to Florida and Virginia Tech over the next two weeks, and Wright will likely be looking to secure a visit to the Main Line. Depending on the timing of the Florida and VT visits, Wright could try to get Duke on campus for Hoops Mania on September 30.

Providence remains the favorite, and Florida and Virginia Tech will make strong pushes during their respective visits, but clearly Wright isn't going down without a fight. Keep an eye out to see if the Cats can indeed get an official visit scheduled.
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