ACC Basketball: Top 5 Freshmen for 2016-17

Harry Giles, Jr., Duke Blue Devils, power forward, #1

Harry Giles, Jr. is a consensus top-three ranked high school player in the class of 2016. Like Dennis Smith, Jr., Giles represents another North Carolina-bred young man. Giles grew up in Winston-Salem, North Carolina so he remains close to home while attending Duke University.

Giles played high school basketball with North Carolina’s Theo Pinson. Despite being teammates several years ago, Giles chose to attend Duke; the arch-nemesis of Pinson’s Tar Heels.

Giles could be one of the best big men to ever play for the Duke Blue Devils. Yes, I made another bold statement. However, when you see this young man play he will back up that prediction. DraftExpress and NBAdraft.net project Giles to be selected fifth overall in the 2017 NBA Draft.

Giles is a unique big man. At times, he plays like a 6-foot-10, 230-pound guard. He handles the ball just as well as any point guard. Likewise, he shoots from the perimeter as well as any shooting guard or small forward. In the low post, Giles can bang down low with the best of them. He possesses a complete skill set and he will pose fits for opposing defenses.

Although he has undergone two knee surgeries prior to playing college basketball, Giles’ skill level surpasses that of some NBA players. He will surely be a ‘one-and-done’ player, in addition to being a lottery pick.

Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski will enjoy having this young man on his roster. Coach K can run a variety of plays to utilize Giles and get him involved.