Well, wouldn't you know it, after I let you guys know we were having no luck getting a hold of Wenyen, Pat and I were talking yesterday afternoon after football availability when Wenyen shot Pat a text letting him know he needed some time before he's ready to talk about the visit and where things stand.
Maryland has really turned up the heat after hosting Wenyen last weekend on campus. Just like they did with Huerter, Turgeon made the trek up to New England to check in on Gabriel just days after his official visit. It's apparent that Turgeon would like to close on Gabriel before Kentucky and Duke get a chance to have him on their campuses.
Then Duke went in-home with Javin Delaurier on Monday and offered the 4-star power forward. Folks seemed to take this as Duke possibly seeing the writing on the wall with Gabriel, but it now appears that Duke will be sending John Scheyer up to New England today to meet with Gabriel. The Delaurier offer could have been one to put some pressure on Gabriel, it could have also been just in case they miss on Giles. But frankly, Gabriel has a much more polished skill set.
And there's still Kentucky, where he's scheduled to take an official visit this upcoming weekend.
So what does this all mean? I think it's possible folks might have been a little quick to write off Duke in this one. But continuing to talk to some sources, it also appears the Terps are still in great shape as the visit went very well. I've felt all along that Maryland was the team to beat for Gabriel. And the fact he told us he needed some more time before talking (he's been very open and spoken frequently with both myself and Pat) makes me think that he may be ready to pull the trigger, but perhaps the folks in his camp feel he needs to see some other schools.
My personal take? I'm guessing Duke will try to sell Gabriel on the three spot, telling him that Tatum is a two and obviously would still take Giles. There has been a lot of talk about Gabriel as a three, but the fact of the matter is, if he wants to earn an NBA paycheck he's going to be a face up four. Maryland absolutely gives him the best chance to see early playing time and showcase himself as a face up four man. And as we have seen with Jake Layman, players in Maryland's offense can switch it up and play both the three and four.
UConn also has a visit scheduled now, and Gabriel has some ties there, but I just don't see it with the recent commitment of Juwan Durham and Terrier Lerrier being eligible next season.
Maryland has really turned up the heat after hosting Wenyen last weekend on campus. Just like they did with Huerter, Turgeon made the trek up to New England to check in on Gabriel just days after his official visit. It's apparent that Turgeon would like to close on Gabriel before Kentucky and Duke get a chance to have him on their campuses.
Then Duke went in-home with Javin Delaurier on Monday and offered the 4-star power forward. Folks seemed to take this as Duke possibly seeing the writing on the wall with Gabriel, but it now appears that Duke will be sending John Scheyer up to New England today to meet with Gabriel. The Delaurier offer could have been one to put some pressure on Gabriel, it could have also been just in case they miss on Giles. But frankly, Gabriel has a much more polished skill set.
And there's still Kentucky, where he's scheduled to take an official visit this upcoming weekend.
So what does this all mean? I think it's possible folks might have been a little quick to write off Duke in this one. But continuing to talk to some sources, it also appears the Terps are still in great shape as the visit went very well. I've felt all along that Maryland was the team to beat for Gabriel. And the fact he told us he needed some more time before talking (he's been very open and spoken frequently with both myself and Pat) makes me think that he may be ready to pull the trigger, but perhaps the folks in his camp feel he needs to see some other schools.
My personal take? I'm guessing Duke will try to sell Gabriel on the three spot, telling him that Tatum is a two and obviously would still take Giles. There has been a lot of talk about Gabriel as a three, but the fact of the matter is, if he wants to earn an NBA paycheck he's going to be a face up four. Maryland absolutely gives him the best chance to see early playing time and showcase himself as a face up four man. And as we have seen with Jake Layman, players in Maryland's offense can switch it up and play both the three and four.
UConn also has a visit scheduled now, and Gabriel has some ties there, but I just don't see it with the recent commitment of Juwan Durham and Terrier Lerrier being eligible next season.
