:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47275586/21008832660_897d18acbd_z.0.0.jpg)
For the vast majority of 2016 four-star power forward Javin DeLaurier’s recruitment, Shaka Smart and the Texas Longhorns appeared to be the frontrunner to land the Virginia native. Smart had been active in his recruitment since his VCU days, and with a frontcourt that will lose nearly every key contributor for the 2016 season by way of graduation and the NBA Draft, DeLaurier looked to be a perfect fit and perfect addition to Smart’s first full recruiting class on the 40 Acres.
But when you’re competing with the likes of powerhouses such as the defending National Champion Duke Blue Devils, the odds aren’t always in your favor, and after completely stealing the show in DeLaurier recruitment over the past two weeks; DeLaurier is officially a Blue Devil.
— Javin DeLaurier (@javelin_22) September 27, 2015
With one of the Longhorns most sought after targets now off the market, especially considering he’s a big man, the pressure to haul in Astin native and five-star power forward Jarrett Allen will now be heightened. Outside of Allen, four-star Georgia center James Banks is another target who will now be of the utmost importance.