Vernon Carey Jr. made his own decision choosing Duke over Miami basketball

Vernon Carey jr one of the greatest high school basketball stars in the history of South Florida makes his return on Saturday night when he and his Duke teammates face the Miami basketball team.

Vernon Carey Jr is the son of Vernon Carey Sr who was a backup right tackle on the 2001 Miami Hurricanes National Championship football team. Carey Jr. chose Duke over the Miami basketball team and a multitude of other national programs that wanted the 6’10 275 pound center. Carey Jr. averages 17.9 PPG, 9.0 RPG and 2.2 BPG

Carey senior wanted his son to sign a National Letter of Intent with the Miami basketball program but also knew that was the decision for the former star from the University School in Fort Lauderdale to make. So far it appears that junior is in the right place for him. Carey jr. leads the Blue Devils, in scoring, rebounding and blocks.

Duke is 12-1 this season with a seemingly fluke loss at home to Stephen F. Austin on a breakaway layup at the buzzer. The Blue Devils have non-conference wins over California, Georgetown, Kansas and Michigan State. Duke won its two ACC games by a combined total of 63 points.

Miami Hurricanes Basketball

Carey is adding to the legacy at Duke. If the Blue Devils do not make a deep run in March he will be just another name. For his future of wanting to play in the NBA, he probably made the right decision. Carey jr. said in the summer of 2018 Miami head coach Jim Larranaga told him he could create a legacy with the Hurricanes.

Vernon Sr was quoted in the Sun-Sentinel last May discussing the decision by his son to sign with Miami over Duke. Vernon jr. is forging his own path with the Blue Devils. Carey and his teammates will try to reach the Final Four after Zion Williamson, R.J. Barrett and Cam Reddish lost in the 2019 Regional Final.

"“I wanted him to go [to UM], but it was always his decision because this is his life, and he has to do it,” Carey said. “I’m very excited for him, and he’s ready to go… I’m trying to get him introduced to this type of stuff, giving back to the community.”"

Carey would be a perfect fit in the Miami lineup that is led in scoring by four guards. Chris Lykes, Kameron McGusty and Dejan Vasiljevic all average over 15 points per game. According to Larranaga Miami is the only team in the country that has three guards averaging at least 15 PPG. Carey would be a perfect complement.

Miami has struggled rebounding this season. The Hurricanes are 328th nationally with 397 total rebounds. Hurricane opponents are 148th in the nation with 462 rebounds. Miami has to do a good job on Carey to have a chance to pull the big upset on Saturday night. Carey’s return home will be the biggest focus.

Michelle Kaufman of the Miami Herald spoke to Carey ahead of his big return on Saturday night. Carey discussed the impact his father had on his personality, why Durham is a good fit for him, the adjustment to managing his time and the impact Hall of Fame head coach Mike Krzyzewski has had on his game.

"“I think I’ve handled the pressure and expectations pretty well because I’m just focused on our team’s goal and our objective to win games, getting better as a team. I don’t focus on that other stuff. I just focus on my game. Durham fits my personality. I’m not a guy who goes out all the time.”I’ve had to adjust to the physicality and being more focused and alert on the court all the time. My post-game is what I’ve improved the most since I got here. In high school, I was mainly on the perimeter, but I started working on my post-game when I got to Duke, and I feel like it’s getting better and better.Learning to manage time a lot better is one of the main differences between college and high school. We get help from tutors and our academic coordinator, so that’s been going well. I’m learning the ins and outs of the game, and just about life in general and what’s after basketball,heMy relationship with the coaching staff, and my personal relationship with Coach K were two of the biggest reasons I picked Duke. He told me he’d get the best out of me, and he’s doing that so far."

A win over Duke on Saturday night could set the tone for the remainder of the 2019-20 season and the future of the Miami basketball program. The Hurricanes will likely be playing in front of elite 2023 prospect 6’8 260 pound forward Jaylen Carey, Vernon’s brother.