The rise was meteoric, the progress steady. The parade of high-profile head coaches, endless.
Since July 2007, few have made the strides Raleigh (N.C.) Ravenscroft power forward Ryan Kelly has experienced. The 6-foot-10 Kelly, after completing a recruiting plan, committed to Mike Krzyzewski’s Duke Blue Devils.
"With strong confidence I look forward to playing for Duke next year," Kelly told a national TV audience on ESPNU.
Kelly, a member of the United States junior national team, selected the Blue Devils after officially visiting Notre Dame, Vanderbilt, Wake Forest and Georgetown. He also took multiple unofficial visits to North Carolina.
Ranked No. 11 by Scout.com, Kelly was the 2007 TISAC player of the year and a 3-A all-state selection. As a junior, Kelly averaged 23.7 points, 8.0 rebounds and 4 blocks a game. Last summer, Kelly earned a silver medal as a starter for his country’s team.
Kelly, through three seasons, has scored 1,183 points.
On the traveling team circuit, Kelly teamed with John Wall (Scout.com No. 2) in leading D-One Sports to the Reebok Create ‘n Finish Cup in July.
Kelly is Duke’s second recruit in the Class of 2009. He’ll team with fellow 3-A all-stater Mason Plumlee (Scout.com No. 19) on the Duke frontline.