Hairstonnot a lock for Devils

High school notebook

Date published: 7/3/2008

BY TAFT COGHILL JR.

When Josh Hairston received a scholarship offer from Duke University last week, many assumed an oral commitment to the Blue Devils was soon to follow from the Courtland High School rising junior basketball standout.

Not so fast.

Hairston said on Tuesday that Duke is among his top five choices, but he hasn't declared a front-runner.

The 6-foot-8, 210-pound power forward said his list also includes Virginia, Virginia Tech, Georgetown and Ohio State. He said no decision is imminent.

Hairston enjoyed his visit to Duke last week and said he's "pretty proud" of the offer, but added he still plans to make a college decision shortly before the start of the high school season.

"That's no knock on Duke. I loved going down to Duke," he said. "It was a great experience. I had a chance to sit down and talk to Coach K and he basically let me know what Duke could do for me. But I'm not saying that puts Duke out in front of anybody because all five schools are right there."

The "Coach K" Hairston speaks of is Blue Devils Hall of Fame coach Mike Krzyzewski, a three-time national champion and Olympic head coach.

But Hairston, who was recently rated a five-star prospect by rivals.com and the 15th-best player in nation in the class of 2010, said a legendary coach isn't the only thing Duke has going for it.

Former Boo Williams AAU teammate Andre Dawkins recently orally committed to the Blue Devils.

"Me and Andre are real close. He actually [sent me a text message] five minutes before he committed," Hairston said. "I'm happy for him. I think that's the best situation for him. If we do end up as teammates, that's fine by me."

Duke isn't the only new school to court Hairston. Kansas, Notre Dame and Clemson recently offered scholarships, joining Virginia, Virginia Tech, Maryland, Georgetown and Ohio State.

However, Hairston's mother, Natalie, said it's unlikely he'll consider Kansas, Notre Dame or Clemson because the other schools were more active earlier.

Hairston added that he won't visit any more schools this summer. He's in the midst of a strenuous AAU schedule that includes upcoming tournaments in Cincinnati; Morgantown, W.Va; Las Vegas and Los Angeles.

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Date published: 7/3/2008