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Niroop Vallabhaneni noticed the interest level from some colleges decreased after he had surgery on his wrist during the summer.

The blue chip senior from Paradise Valley, Arizona could tell coaches were taking a wait-and-see approach to his recovery.

Blue Chip Niroop Vallabhaneni Is Signing With Duke
© Bill Kallenberg/CapturedInAction

But Duke coach Ramsey Smith never stopped pursuing Vallabhaneni.

“Ramsey really believed in me and has been nothing but helpful and understanding,” said Vallabhaneni, who plans to sign with the Blue Devils once the signing period opens in mid-November. “He didn’t waver at all when I got hurt the second time, and I really appreciated that. He believes that I can come back and play the way I was playing before.”