By ADAM ZAGORIA
Nico Mannion, one of the top point guards in the Class of 2020, has picked up a scholarship offer from Duke.
“Coach K is a legendary coach and I’m very honored to receive an offer from him and Duke University,” Mannion said following a 25-minute phone conversation with Mike Krzyzewski.
“Coach K has coached many great point guards and learning from a Hall of Fame coach would be great.”
The 6-foot-3 Mannion may reclassify to 2019, as reported here last month.
“I’m actually thinking about reclassing to 2019,” Mannion said at the Under Armour stop in Indianapolis. “I’m going to take college credits this summer so I have the option if I want to.”
Nico Mannion throws one down through traffic @ UAA Indy! @niccolomannion pic.twitter.com/mPgQY5Q0nb
— Courtside Films (@CourtsideFilms) April 28, 2018
Yet because Mannion is still in the sophomore class, colleges cannot contact him directly until June 15. Still, he said “they all know it’s a possibility” that he could reclass.
Mansion listed Arizona, Marquette, Villanova and USC among the schools recruiting him the hardest.
Nico Mannion brought the SMOKE ? @niccolomannion @wceua #WEWILL pic.twitter.com/QwE9PGVJJ5
— Overtime (@overtime) April 28, 2018
“He’s a great team player, makes great decisions, knows how to run a team, fantastic leader and has incredible leadership skills,” West Coast Elite director Ryan Silver said.
Like Villanova, Duke is involved for several top Class of 2019 guards, including Joe Girard, Cole Anthony, Bryan Antoine and Scottie Lewis
Wherever he goes, Mannion believes he will make an impact, whether it’s at the point or of the ball.
“I’m fine with whatever,” he said. “I’m a point guard. I can play combo but I’d be more interested in playing combo. Wherever i go, I feel like I’ll be able to play so I’m not worried about what point guards are going where.”
Photo: Under Armour
