Duke picks up commitments from top high school recruits

Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski yells to his team during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Kansas Tuesday, November 12, 2013. AP

DURHAM, N.C. — Two of the nation’s top high school players say they will play at Duke next season.

Point guard Tyus Jones and center Jahlil Okafor publicly committed to the Blue Devils on Friday during nationally televised ceremonies roughly 450 miles apart.

Scout.com rates Okafor as the nation’s No. 1 recruit and had Jones at No. 4.

Jones, who is from suburban Minneapolis, and Okafor, of Chicago, were a package deal. They simultaneously pulled on Duke caps during the ceremonies at their high schools.

Jones said during the ESPNU broadcast that ”we felt that Duke was the right fit for ourselves and we would be able to succeed there.”