Andrew Slater
Trevon Duval is the consensus top point guard in the class of 2017. Born in Queens and raised in Delaware, 6'3" Trey Duval, who has lived in New Jersey, Texas, and Florida, brings sprinklings of some of the best point guards of this generation. At his best, the appeal to the five coaching staffs lucky enough to be finalists for Duval are that he has the size and physique of a young Rose, the ball-handling of Kyrie, and the explosive penetration of Westbrook. Duval, who is the only person to have won both a UA Championship and a Nike EYBL Championship, helped lead IMG Academy to a 26-2 record and their first appearance at the Dick's National Championship this season. For now, the five-star point guard is trying to decide on a college amidst a cross-country tour of the most prestigious postseason games that high school basketball has to offer, while NBA scouts disect his game. As Trevon Duval nears the end of this road, we spoke about his recruiting, development, the highlights and lessons learned over the past four years.
What are you hoping to show NBA scouts over these three sessions?
I’m just trying to show everybody what I can do, that I’m an all-around player, that I can get to the basket and shoot the open shot, find guys, and just, you know, make guys around me better.
How do you try to differentiate yourself from some of the other point guards?
By just playing my style and not really worrying about who I’m playing against, what they’re doing. Just playing my game cause I feel as if I play the way I play, I’m going to shine regardless.
For fans who may never have seen you play, what do you try to bring to the court every time? What do you think are your strengths?
I just try to bring intensity, especially in games.
On both ends of the court?
Yeah, on both ends of the court, especially in games. I try to go hard every possession, cause when I go hard every possession, I feel as if I bring out the best in me. That’s just really my main focus.
Compared to Collin (Sexton), how do you differentiate yourself?
Collin’s a really good player, but I think the difference between us is I feel like I facilitate more and try to get guys involved.
What’s the next stage of development for you?
Improving everything. You know, trying to get my jump shot like Steph Curry and trying to get my handles and everything like Kyrie Irving and then my athleticism and aggression, you know, I’m just trying to take the best things from everyone.
When did it get to this level? Was it gradual?
It was gradual, but it was more like a confidence thing cause when you’re in the gym and you’re working out every day, you don’t really know and when you get to the court, it just comes out.
What did you learn playing with (Isaiah) Briscoe when you were a sophomore?
I learned a lot about separation, kind of being a leader, and he just taught me a lot of stuff how to handle this basketball world off the court too.
Did you watch him to see what positives and negatives happen to him?
Yeah, I watched him and just studied him. He was the number one point guard too, you know, just seeing what I could do better.
Did he treat you well?
Yeah, he definitely treated me well. He showed me the ropes a little bit, trying to help me out. He still does a little to this day.
Who’s showed out for you so far, peer-to-peer?
Mike (Porter), of course.
He’s off the charts.
Yeah. Collin (Sexton)’s playing pretty well. Gary (Trent)’s been doing alright. Quade (Green)..I feel as if..Jaren (Jackson) has stood out too…
He's definitely had moments.
Yeah, he had moments. I don’t want to forget anybody.
Let’s talk about recruiting. We’ll go in alphabetical order- Arizona?
Arizona, it was a really good visit. They talk to me. They try to talk to me every day. The decision’s starting to get closer and closer.
Do you feel it ramping up with everybody?
Yeah.
What did you like about the Arizona visit?
The best thing about the visit I would say is the weather is just like amazing. It’s hard to not include that in your decision. It’s just that great.
They had some guys leave- does that help too?
Yeah, it does, definitely, getting guys out that are around my position or play my position.
What about Baylor?
Baylor’s campus was humungous and their facilities were really good I feel like their weight program was the best thing that they had.
How was Waco?
Waco’s in Texas. I know a little bit about Texas. I don’t want to say it’s like Delaware, but it’s kind of slow. It’s cool.
What about Duke?
Duke is different. They have a lot of different guys that are declaring, so just trying to see and wait, but they’re a really good school. The visit I took there was really good. They played against North Carolina and I feel as if their atmosphere was off the charts.
What was it like?
It was everything I thought it was going to be. It’s amazing. I would say it’s something you just have to experience.
Have you built a relationship with Gary or Wendell (Carter)?
(laughs) Yeah, I’m seeing them everywhere I go, so yeah, they’re on me. Wendell, me and him have had a connection since we were younger. I feel like we always played well together.
You were always ranked high. You both were.
Yeah.
What kind of relationship do you have with Gary on the back court?
Gary, I’ve known him since I was super young. Funny, funny kid. Super funny, super cool, but him and I…our relationship is great. We’re really cool on and off the court.
And obviously, he’s a great shooter and a you're willing passer.
Yeah, I feel like playing with him, that would open up a lot for everyone
How about Kansas?
Kansas, their atmosphere at their game was…their atmosphere was at an eleven, Duke was at a ten. Kansas was great. It was nice. It’s unbelievable, especially for a big game. I went to Kansas/Baylor, so that’s big time.
That must've been great. That place is so loud too. What did you learn about the program when you were there?
That they need someone to come in and kind of take Frank’s spot.
Does it matter about Devonte Graham being there?
No, cause Frank did it.
What about Malik Newman being there? Does it help?
I don’t really care who’s there. I can play with anyone. I’ve played with everyone. As long as everyone plays the game the right way, I’m not worried about playing with anyone.
How about Seton Hall?
Seton Hall, that’s home for me, basically. You know, my best friend goes there.
Mr. Powell, an absolute sniper.
