Sorry to say this Duke-Haters...

But the Blue Devils coud very well be back again next year grabbing all the attention. I think it's safe to say the "doughnut" is no more.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<b>Six minds, one school</b>
Clint Jackson
iHigh.com Correspondent

Dec 04, 2001 - Several years ago, Michigan University secured one of the best recruiting classes of all time.

Their superb five man class featured three current NBA players in Chris Webber, Juwan Howard and Jalen Rose.

And in addition to those three -- the Wolverines also signed an athletic forward in Jimmy King and a nice role player in Ray Jackson.

The "Fab Five" as they were called made a huge impact on the college game. Never before had the college game been impacted by such a talented and productive group of kids, right out of high school.

This year's class of 2002 has something that might be comparable to the bunch that landed at Michigan. Six kids from across the country -- from Oklahoma to Illinois to Pennsylvania to North Carolina to Virginia-- all had similar thoughts of attending the same school.

Here's the scoop on the six blue chip prospects, five of whom recently signed their letters of intent to attend Duke University (Lee Melchionni will walk on, so he didn't sign a letter of intent).

<b>Lee Melchionni (6'7 WF)</b> - While Melchionni is expected to walk-on to the team in his first year as a Blue Devil -- we still wanted to give our thoughts on what he'll eventually add to the team. He's a role player who makes the good pass, sets the extra screen and rebounds fairly well for a wing player. In the half-court game, Melchionni seems to excel. He knows how to rotate, move without the ball and can swish jumpers from mid and long range. He's got a good handle and has the ability to make some things happen off the dribble -- even though he doesn't show that capability often enough. He's one of the best 80 players in the country and attends high school at Germantown Academy in Fort Washington, PA.

<b>Sean Dockery (6'3 PG)</b> - Sean has a great feel for the lead guard position. He controls the tempo and provides his team with a sense of calmness when the ball is in his capable hands. He utilizes his quick feet and big frame to put tiring pressure on the opposing point guards and frequently pokes balls loose for steals and to start the break. Dockery has got some nice isolation moves when he needs to score and his cross-over dribble is very quick and effective at shedding defenders. His three-point shot is streaky, but he does have the ability to create his own, without a screen. He's one of the best 30 players in the country and attends Julian High School in the city of Chicago.

<b>Shavlik Randolph (6'10 PF-WF)</b> While some analysts tend to call Randolph a wing -- I think he's the best as a power forward who occasionally steps out to shoot the long ball. His injury ridden summer provided some onlookers with a false impression of the real Shavlik. He has amazing post moves, foot work and a soft touch on his shots. But he tended to drift away from the blocks this summer, seeming to want to showcase his long range jumper and perimeter game, but that's not the limits of his game at all. He is also a fantastic shot-blocker who rejects more attempts than you'd realize. He's one of the best five players in the country and attends Broughton High School in Raleigh, North Carolina.

<b>Michael Thompson (6'10 C)</b> "Big Mike" is a classic low post player who operates exclusively with his back to the basket. He really upgraded his intensity this summer and turned into the player that we all knew he had the potential to be. He's got some developing post moves, that he uses to score down low or draw fouls. And he's shown a consistent ability to hit short range jump shots -- especially from the baseline. A good low post defender, rebounder and he'll get his hands on some opponents shots as well. He's one of the best 25 players in the country and attends high school at New Lenox Catholic in suburban Chicago, IIlinois.

<b>J.J. Redick (6'5 SG)</b> - Redick is the best long range shooter in the country. He squares his body, gets great elevation off the floor and has a lightning quick release -- ala Dan Marino. And the fact that he's 6 foot 5 helps him shoot over smaller defenders as well. What we love about Redick in addition to his shooting prowess is that he knows how to create for his teammates in the set offense. He is always aware of his position on the floor and frequently draws the defense and finds open teammates for easy buckets. He's going to be a great scorer and passer in Duke's style of offense. He's one of the best 15 players in the country and attends high school at Cave Spring High School in Roanoke, Virginia.

<b>Shelden Williams</b> (6'8 PF) Williams is a true power forward with extra emphasis on the power. He's got a bunch of different ways to score including a strong drop step move, a jump-hook and a decent outside jump shot. He's very strong in his upper body and is able to get desired position on the offensive and defensive end with ease. Williams is also a great shot-blocker with uncanny timing and long arms that nearly hang to his knees. He needs to polish up some of the finesse things in his game -- but Williams is a beast with a pro body. He's one of the best 10 players in the country and attends Midwest City High School in Oklahoma.

Watch out for these guys -- they're going to make a big splash in the Atlantic Coast Conference next year.

 

Speaking of UNC...college basketball doesn't seem the same without the serious Duke-UNC rivalry, but UNC's draft class kicks major ass as well, so the rivalry should be back in full swing in a year or two. I predict both schools will win at least one championship in the next four years.