New Jersey forward commits to Wichita State basketball

St. Anthony (N.J.) forward Markis McDuffie gave Wichita State’s basketball program a non-binding commitment on Saturday night.

“They say I can do big things,” McDuffie said. “I know they’re willing to make guys better.”

McDuffie (6-foot-8, 168 pounds) is ranked a four-star prospect by ESPN.com at No. 92 nationally in the class of 2015. He narrowed his choices to VCU, Boston College and WSU and cancelled a visit to SMU. He averaged 14 points as a junior at St. Anthony.

“Physically, he’s like Kevin Durant,” St. Anthony coach Bob Hurley said. “Same lean body type. He can shoot the three. He can put the ball on the floor. He’s like a rubber man. He can twist and turn around the basket and take advantage of his length.”

McDuffie visited Wichita State in September with his family.

“The campus — it was great,” he said. “The coaches are amazing. I was looking for great academics, just in case things don’t go my way.”

He joins previous commitments from Park Hill (Mo.) guard Landry Shamet, ranked No. 87 by Rivals.com, and Hargrave (Va.) Military Academy guard Tyrone Taylor, who is from Grandview, Mo. WSU also placed forward Eric Hamilton, from Duluth, Ga., at Sunrise Christian Academy. Hamilton signed with WSU in 2013 and practiced with the Shockers last summer before deciding to take a post-graduate year at Sunrise.

McDuffie describes himself as a versatile athlete who can play shooting guard and both forward positions. He considers himself an enthusiastic defender, in part because Hurley demands it.

“I have good court vision,” he said. “I want to be a leader this year. I want to get stronger.”

The family liked every facet of WSU. McDuffie said the travel time was the lone factor that caused him to think hard about the decision.

“I know the distance is kind of far, but that’s a sacrifice we’ll have to make for him to reach his goal,” said Derek McDuffie, his father. “The facilities are wonderful. It’s a great town. Great academic support. I was just in awe of it all during our visit.”

Markis McDuffie said he plans to sign between Nov. 12-19. He is glad to put this decision behind him so he can concentrate on his senior season. On Saturday night, he told WSU coaches. He waited to announce his decision until he informed coaches at the other schools.

“That’s very tough,” he said. “You can only go to one school. You don’t want to do that to guys who really wanted you.”

This story was originally published October 26, 2014 at 11:16 AM with the headline "New Jersey forward commits to Wichita State basketball."