Duke Basketball’s Hidden Gems: Unearthing Greatness in Unexpected Places

Isn’t it intriguing how basketball occasionally reveals greatness in unexpected places? Ben McCollum, known for his remarkable achievements at Northwest Missouri State, is a prime example. Despite his Woodenesque record, he somehow remained under the radar in coaching searches until recently hired by Drake University.

Indiana State, situated in Terre Haute, might seem off the beaten path, yet it has produced two legendary figures: Wooden and Larry Bird. Now, the spotlight shifts to Robbie Avila, a seemingly unassuming player with a remarkable talent. Despite his unassuming appearance, Avila possesses a deep understanding of the game, drawing comparisons to NC State’s DJ Burns and even Nikola Jokic for his exceptional passing skills.

However, with his former coach, Josh Schertz, moving to St. Louis, Avila has entered the transfer portal, leaving his future uncertain.

Could Duke make a play for him?

Well, there are a couple of issues to consider.

Firstly, it appears probable that he will proceed with the move alongside Schertz. Secondly, it’s worth noting he’s implemented a no-contact restriction on his portal profile, restricting who can reach out to him.

However, if he opts to reach out to Duke, wouldn’t it be intriguing to witness Avila, also known as Cream Abdul-Jabbar or Larry Nerd, at Cameron?

Absolutely. It definitely holds appeal.

Moreover, it would be an improvement over the less appealing shade of blue utilized by Indiana State.