Jahlil Okafor and Tyus Jones commit to Duke

Center Jahlil Okafor and point guard Tyus Jones, two top-5 recruits in the 2014 high school class, committed to play college basketball at Duke as part of a package deal, they announced on ESPNU.

It was long known that the duo, who are good friends, would attend the same school, but not until Friday was their decision between Duke and Kansas made public. Baylor was also considered in the running to land them, but the whispers of Okafor and Jones going to school in Waco, Texas, faded as the early signing period grew near.

Okafor, the No. 1 player in the class according to Yahoo!, ESPN and Scout, is a 6’10, 260-pound center out of Whitney Young High School in Chicago. He played for the USA’s Under-19 team that took home gold this past summer and with tournament MVP Aaron Gordon, a 2013 class member now at Arizona, made the All-Tournament team in the international event.

Of a large build, Okafor has the hands and footwork that are rare for an incoming college big man. He can score in the low post, has even shown the development of a mid-range jumper, and on defense can create missed opportunities in the paint.

Jones hails from Apple Valley, Minn., and across the recruiting ranks is considered either the fourth- or fifth-best prospect in the class. At 6’1, 171 pounds, he is a traditional point guard who’s known for his savvy more than any of his athletic gifts. Jones would rather pass than shoot, but can score when needed. His most important asset is his ability to make the right play, especially in pick-and-roll situations.

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