Duke basketball: 3 blue-chip recruits most likely to sign with Blue Devils

1. Duke basketball recruiting targets: PF Patrick Baldwin

It always feels like Duke ends up with one of the best players in the recruiting class every year. The highest-rated recruit with a strong likelihood of landing in Durham is Patrick Baldwin, Jr., a five-star power forward.

A 6-foot-9 big from Sussex, WI, Baldwin has been listed as a small forward, meaning he could take the spot of Jalen Johnson after he goes pro at the end of the 2020-21 season. Baldwin could also do well as a stretch four since he has the length and shooting touch to handle the position.

One of the best attributes of Baldwin is his ability to be cool under pressure, which is why he has been graded so highly by scouts. Baldwin’s poise is simply off the charts, which leads to a style of play that is seemingly tailor-made for the spotlight of Duke.

North Carolina, Virginia and Wisconsin are three of the most notable schools tied to Baldwin, who most pundits expect to land with Duke. Fans will be impressed with Baldwin’s shooting form, which is outstanding and reminiscent of NBA star Klay Thompson.

Add in tremendous athleticism as well as excellent instincts and there is no doubt that Baldwin would be the crown jewel of Duke’s 2021 recruiting class. Landing Baldwin would give Duke a player with the potential to go high in the NBA Draft lottery and make some serious noise in the ACC as well.

For more NCAA basketball news, analysis, opinion and features, check out more from the FanSided college basketball section to stay on top of the latest action.