Blue Devils Set Sights on Sharpshooting Sensation Austin Goosby
The Duke Blue Devils are intensifying their pursuit of Austin Goosby, a highly regarded shooting guard from Melissa High School in Texas, as they strategically build their recruiting class for 2026. Goosby, a consensus four-star prospect, has seen his stock rise significantly over the past year, positioning him as a potential five-star talent in the near future. Standing at an impressive 6-foot-5 and weighing around 190 pounds, Goosby possesses the coveted combination of size, athleticism, and a lethal shooting touch that has made him a priority target for numerous high-major programs across the nation.
Reports indicate that Duke’s coaching staff has been actively involved in Goosby’s recruitment, with at least one visit to his high school this week to evaluate his progress and reiterate their interest. The Blue Devils are not alone in their admiration for the young guard; a host of other prominent universities, including Kentucky, Kansas, Texas, UCLA, Michigan, and Baylor, are also vying for his commitment. This intense competition underscores the exceptional talent and potential that Goosby brings to the court.
What makes Austin Goosby such a compelling prospect? His offensive repertoire is diverse and highly effective for a player of his age. He boasts a smooth and confident handle, allowing him to create scoring opportunities for himself off the dribble. His perimeter game is particularly noteworthy, with a consistent and accurate three-point shot that forces defenses to respect his range. Beyond his scoring prowess, Goosby demonstrates a solid understanding of the game, often making smart passes and displaying a willingness to find open teammates. As he continues to develop his playmaking skills and refine his decision-making, his offensive impact will only increase.
On the defensive end, Goosby’s size and athleticism provide a strong foundation. He has the potential to be a versatile defender, capable of guarding multiple positions on the perimeter. While he is still honing his defensive techniques and consistency, his physical tools and competitive spirit suggest that he can become a significant contributor on both sides of the ball at the collegiate level.
Currently, Goosby is ranked among the top 40 players in the 2206 recruiting class by the major scouting services. 247Sports places him at No. 37 nationally in their composite rankings, and as the 4th best shooting guard in his class. ESPN ranks him at No. 28, while On3 positions him at No. 36. Rivals, the other major scouting service, has him slightly lower at No. 68. These rankings reflect the widespread recognition of his talent and potential impact at the next level. Given his continued development and the attention he is receiving from elite programs, a move into the five-star echelon seems well within reach.
Duke’s interest in Goosby aligns with their historical success in recruiting and developing high-scoring wings. The program has a long tradition of featuring players who can create their own shot and stretch the floor with their shooting ability. Goosby fits this mold perfectly and could become a key offensive weapon for the Blue Devils in the coming years.
As for the timeline of his recruitment, Goosby has indicated that he is in no rush to make a decision. He told reporters late last year that he would likely make his commitment sometime before his senior year, allowing him ample time to evaluate his options and build strong relationships with the coaching staffs recruiting him. He emphasized the importance of finding a program where he feels a genuine family bond and where he believes he can continue to develop his game.
Duke’s 2026 recruiting efforts are still in the early stages, with only a handful of official offers extended to prospects in that class. The Blue Devils have already secured a commitment from four-star power forward Sebastian Wilkins, who recently reclassified to the 2025 class. Other key targets in the 2026 cycle for Duke include five-star guard Jordan Smith Jr. and five-star forward Miikka Muurinen. Adding a talent like Austin Goosby to this mix would further solidify Duke’s position as one of the top recruiting programs in the nation and set the stage for another highly successful era in Durham. The coming months will be crucial in determining where Goosby ultimately decides to take his talents, and Duke will undoubtedly be working diligently to make a compelling case for him to join the Blue Devil brotherhood.
