One of the newest Blue Devils knew playing at Duke was too good of an opponent to pass up
Mason Gillis’ ambition of playing for the Duke basketball team came true this offseason when he opted to enter the transfer portal after four years at Purdue.
Despite the Blue Devils’ interest in the 6-foot-6 big, he needed some of his closest friends and family to ensure he was making the best basketball decision and not simply following his emotions.
During an episode on The Brotherhood Podcast, Gillis stated that he asked individuals why he should not attend Duke and instead choose another institution.
“I always had to tell everybody, I’m biased towards Duke,” Gillis remarked. “It’s been my ambition to attend Duke. I need you to explain why I shouldn’t go to Duke.
Those folks could not come up with any legitimate justifications, therefore he pledged to Jon Scheyer without visiting Durham.
“Honestly, it was an easy decision.”
Mason Gillis stated that Caleb Foster, Tyrese Proctor, and Cooper Flagg contacted him during the recruitment process.
“You were definitely somebody we had to get,” Foster said on the show.
Gillis was selected the Big Ten’s Sixth Man of the Year last season, averaging 6.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.7 assists while shooting 47.9 percent from the field and 46.8 percent from three.
“I felt wanted,” Gillis explained. “This has been my dream. “No brainer.”
He joins a transfer class that includes Syracuse’s Maliq Brown, Tulane’s Sion James, and Rice’s Cameron Sheffield. According to 247Sports, this is the No. 22 transfer portal recruiting class in the country.
He should fill a veteran leadership role for the Blue Devils next season, providing a shooting boost off the bench. He did say that he is working on improving his defense and ball handling this offseason during summer training.
