Duncan drawing high-major interest since reopening recruitment

Castle High School’s Blake Simmons fights for possession with Harrison High School’s Ernie Duncan last season during the Old National Bank Tournament semifinals. ERIN McCRACKEN / COURIER & PRESS

Three major-conference schools have expressed interest in Harrison High School guard Ernie Duncan during the week since the former UE commit reopened his recruitment Sept. 28.

Duncan said Saturday that Illinois has contacted him and plans to visit him soon. Kansas State has also inquired.

That’s on top of an open gym session Thursday in which Indiana coach Tom Crean watched Duncan and his twin younger brothers, Stanley and Everett, both forwards at Harrison.

Ernie Duncan said none of the high-major schools have offered him scholarships yet, and he’s talked to UE coach Marty Simmons since de-committing.

“We did have a conversation but I’m going to keep it between me and him,” Duncan said via text message.

Coaches can’t comment on prospects until they’ve signed a letter of intent, which Duncan can do in November 2013.

The 6-foot-1, 180-pound Duncan averaged 16.1 points, 3.9 rebounds and 5.6 assists during his sophomore season at Harrison. He was named to the 2012 All-Metro Boys’ Basketball Team.

Duncan originally committed to UE in January.

The Aces have a standing verbal commitment from Castle High School senior forward Blake Simmons.