Dereck Lively, second men’s basketball prospect in 2022, pledges to Duke Blue Devils

Elite center Dereck Lively, the top uncommitted player in the 2022 class, announced his commitment to Duke on Monday – giving the Blue Devils the edge for the No.1 recruiting class.

Lively chose Duke over Kentucky, although Penn State – where her mother, Kathy Drysdale, had 1,000 points – and Michigan also remained involved until the last few weeks. The Blue Devils and Wildcats have been traveling back and forth for Lively in the past few months since he visited both schools in June.

“I love the whole idea of ​​Brotherhood, Duke basketball and Duke University,” Lively told ESPN. “I believe next year’s team has a chance to do a deep run in the NCAA tournament and maybe a national championship. After my playing career, a Duke degree is important to me.”

Lively was the first scholarship offer from pending Duke coach Jon Scheyer after being named Mike Krzyzewski’s replacement.

“We’ve developed a really good connection,” Lively said of Scheyer. “[Their plan is to] help me evolve into an NBA player. To help me master my game on the perimeter and upside down. “

A 7-foot-1 center at Westtown School, Pa., Lively is ranked No. 2 in the ESPN 100 for 2022. Lively quickly rose to five-star status in the spring and early summer, and then went on to become a real threat for the No.1 after an impressive July on the Nike EYBL circuit with Team Final.

He is one of the elite defensive players in the 2022 class, leading the EYBL in blocks at 3.7 per game. Lively added 8.4 points and 6.7 rebounds, while registering 11 3 points in 15 games. He had 13 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks in the Peach Jam Championship Game.

Lively has made steady and solid progress over the past two years. He has impressive agility, mobility and skills for his size, and has started to play without a bounce and do 3s with confidence. His business card is his rim protection, but he can also walk away from the basket. It has a 7-foot-8 wingspan and an explosive jump capability. Offensively, Lively has gentle hands when it comes to catching lobs and landing passes. It has a huge advantage as it develops a larger presence with additional volume.

“Dereck is an incredible player and teammate. He’s always determined to win first and foremost,” said Seth Berger, Lively’s Westtown coach. “Even with all of his physical and mental gifts, he is first and foremost a warrior who fights for his team. It has been amazing to watch him grow as a player and as a young man. Dereck made a great choice to play for Jon Scheyer. , who will rise to the challenge of continuing Duke’s tradition of excellence on and off the pitch. “

Lively is Scheyer’s third five-star entry in the 2022 class and gives Duke the edge over Kentucky for the No.1 class. He joins small forward Dariq Whitehead (No.5 overall), qualified center Kyle Filipowski (No.10) and excellent 3-point shooter Jaden Schutt (No.47) in the Blue Devils squad. Duke also landed five-star point guard Caleb Foster last week to start his 2023 class.

Other targets for the Blue Devils in 2022 include top 30 prospects Mark Mitchell (No.30) and JJ Starling (No.27).