5 Reasons Why Jahlil Okafor Should Sign With Duke Basketball

5 Reasons Why Jahlil Okafor Should Sign With Duke Basketball

As the highest rated college basketball prospect in the class of 2014, to say that Jahlil Okafor has a few suitors lining up for his signature would be like saying that having Arriany Celeste appear at a speed dating seminar would result in a small lineup of excited 17 to 50 year old men.

With Duke, Baylor, Kansas and Kentucky reportedly having the best odds of bringing in the talented center out of Whitney Young High School, a tough decision lies ahead.

At 6-foot-10, 270-pounds, Okafor is the epitome of the notion of one looking like a man playing among boys as he has reigned terror on high school competition. Although he won't take anyone's breathe away with his sheer athletic gifts, he possesses the kind of quickness in his feet that when combined with the NBA ready post game and high basketball IQ regularly displayed creates at the very least the kind of player that can be the cornerstone for a title chasing college basketball program.

Joining the Duke Blue Devils offers the opportunity to not only go to one of the most prestigious schools in the country but also put on the jersey of many greats before him and be guided by one of the greatest coaches in the history of college basketball. Whether it's the distinction of being one of the best programs in all of the NCAA or that seeming knack of being the team that so many people love to hate, the attention and spotlight that one gains playing within Cameron Indoor Stadium is unparalleled.

With recruiting season underway, each of the four players in the Okafor sweepstakes believes it has the right mix of elements necessary to secure the prized signature of a player that promises to change the fortunes of any program he joins for at least one season.

With that said, here are the five reasons why Okafor should sign with the Blue Devils this upcoming signing period.

5. Mike Krzyzewski

If ever a decision should be made based on the mere presence of a coach guiding a college basketball program, it is one where Mike Krzyzewski is involved.

With a 885-239 record, four NCAA Championships, 13 ACC Championships and two Olympic gold medals with the USA men's national team, can any other coach possibly have the kind of positive effect on Okafor's career as one so decorated and experienced with not only developing NBA players but coaching them?

4. Winning History

As mentioned, the Duke Blue Devils are sort of a big deal within college basketball circles.

Since the beginning of Krzyzewski era, Duke has won four NCAA championships, made eight total NCAA Tournament finals, 13 Elite Eight appearances and won 13 ACC tournaments.

If Okafor is looking not only to develop as a player but win in the process, there might not be a better option for him than calling Cameron Indoor Stadium his home for the foreseeable future.

3. Cameron Crazies

In the Cameron Crazies you allow yourself to be engulfed within college basketball's wildest and most energetic fan base.

Whether it is body paint, neon blue speedos, deafening noise or unmatched passion that is brought to the table each and every home game by the 9,314 strong in Cameron Indoor Stadium, it would create lifelong memories that Okafor would forever cherish.

2. Duke-UNC

As a basketball fan growing up on college hoops, was any other match-up as anticipated each season as those between the Duke Blue Devils and North Carolina Tar Heels?

As arguably not only college basketball's greatest rivalry but one of the more notable rivalries in all of sports, if Okafor truly appreciates the history of the game the prospect of taking part in a rivalry that dates back decades and shows no sign of dissipating going forward should be one that is too good to pass up.

1. Development of NBA Talent

The list of names that have put on Blue Devil blue and white is a long, decorated one.

Grant Hill, Elton Brand, J.J. Redick, Carlos Boozer, Luol Deng, Kyrie Irving and Christian Laettner make up a rich history of NBA talent that has come and gone over the years, bringing with it the tools to compete for NCAA championships and taking with them the knowledge, discipline and experience to make great professionals at the next level.