Columbia transfer Patrick Tape changes his mind again, recommits to Duke

Duke basketball is getting its man after all.

Three days after decommitting from the Blue Devils, Columbia big man Patrick Tape recommitted to the team, he confirmed via text message.

The 6-foot-10 Tape, a Charlotte native, averaged 11.3 points and 5.9 rebounds per game during the 2018-19 while shooting 66 percent from the field. He sat out last season with an injury.

Tape chose Duke over Syracuse, Maryland, Georgetown and others.

“I actually spoke with the Duke coaches again and they’ve agreed to let me join the team again,” Tape told 247Sports.

Tape is considered the best big man available on this year’s graduate transfer market. He originally committed to Duke on March 25, doing so — due to the coronavirus pandemic’s restrictions — without visiting campus or meeting in person with Duke’s coaches.

Feeling uncomfortable with his decision, Tape reopened his recruitment last Thursday. But after a few days of considering his situation, he was allowed to rejoin the Blue Devils again on Sunday.

Duke was in the market for an experienced big man because 6-10 forwards Javin DeLaurier and Justin Robinson were seniors on last seasons 25-6 team. Vernon Carey, the 6-10 center named the nation’s top freshman after being named first team all-ACC, is expected to declare for the NBA Draft.

The only center in Duke’s incoming freshman class is 7-0 Mark Williams. Tape, barring another change of heart, gives Duke a much-needed player.

This story was originally published April 5, 2020 at 10:33 PM.