Nov. 10 was a great day for more than a few universities in the land of college hoops. As you might as expect, Duke was one of them. The rich got richer as top high school prospect Gary Trent Jr. committed to the Blue Devils after spurning Michigan State, Kentucky, and UCLA.
Trent, who has the potential to be a one-and-done prospect, will add a much-needed scoring punch for Duke in 2017- 18. As expected, Mike Krzyzewski continues his wave of assembling high-caliber talent and the 'Cameron Crazies' should be elated about what's ahead. So here are three things to know about the future 'Diaper Dandy.'
1. He Is a Star in the Making
When watching Trent, he gives you a feel of an old-school shooting guard. He has size, standing at 6-foot-5. His handle is tight enough to put pressure on the defense. Most of all, he is a natural scorer. Whether if it’s knocking down three-pointers, slashing to the hoop, or hitting the now-rare mid-range jumper, he can do it all. For a player his age, he is mature beyond his years. Trent's meticulous approach to the game will be helpful in his hope to become an NBA draft pick. If he remains on the same trajectory, the sky is the limit for him. Many have compared him to Devin Booker and Jamal Murray, and the more you watch him play, you see why.
2. He's The Remix, Baby
The name Gary Trent may ring a bell for some. Once upon a time, Trent Jr’s, father, Gary Trent Sr., was dubbed the “Shaq of the MAC.” At Ohio University, the elder Trent dominated the Mid-American Conference. After winning the MAC Player of the Year three times in a row, he bolted to the NBA. In 1995, Trent Sr. was selected by the Milwaukee Bucks as a lottery pick in the NBA Draft.
“Big Gary” was known for his punishing style as a bruising power forward. While he never transitioned into a star on the pro level, he carved out ten-year career as a prominent role player. Trent Jr., doesn't have the brawn and strength like his father, and it’s fascinating to watch his son play with such finesse. With Junior's bloodline, it’s likely that he can carry on the family tradition in making it to the NBA.
Apple Valley boys basketball players Tre Jones, left, and Gary Trent Jr. are the Pioneer Press basketball players of the year. They were photographed at the high school on Monday, March 7, 2016. (Pioneer Press: Scott Takushi)3. Trent Jr. Likes Keeping Up With the Joneses
Who said keeping up the Joneses was a bad thing? At Apple Valley High School in Minnesota, Trent Jr. played with brothers Tyus and Tre Jones. As a one-and-done prospect, Tyus help led the Blue Devils to a NCAA Championship in 2015. After bringing the title back to Durham, he took his talents to the NBA. Jones was drafted in the first round by his hometown Minnesota Timberwolves, and he is one of many young talents on the team.
Tre, who is also been offered a scholarship to Duke, paired with Trent Jr., at Apple Valley and they won a state championship in 2015. Before Trent Jr. moved on to Prolific Prep in California for his senior year, the duo tortured opponents on the local, national, and global circuit. In addition to winning the '15 state championship, the duo won gold at the FIBA Americas Championship (Under 16) in Argentina. As Trent Jr. continues to hopefully pair with the Joneses, they will look to continue their success on the collegiate level.
