Duke Basketball Recruiting Alert: Jon Scheyer Sets Sights on Elite Texas Guard Austin Goosby for Blue Devils’ 2025 Class
The Duke Blue Devils are once again making waves on the recruiting trail, and this time, all eyes are on Texas guard Austin Goosby. Head coach Jon Scheyer, who has successfully led Duke into a new era following the retirement of the legendary Mike Krzyzewski, is zeroing in on Goosby as a potential cornerstone for the Blue Devils’ 2025 recruiting class. With elite athleticism, sharp shooting ability, and poise beyond his years, Goosby has emerged as one of the most highly coveted guards in the country—and Duke’s interest in him sends a clear message about where the program is headed.
Goosby, a 6-foot-4 combo guard out of Texas, has quickly become a household name among college basketball recruiting insiders. Known for his ability to create his own shot, distribute effectively under pressure, and defend multiple positions, Goosby embodies the modern guard prototype. His blend of speed, skill, and basketball IQ has caught the attention of numerous blue-blood programs, but it’s Duke’s recent involvement that has set social media abuzz and caught the attention of fans and analysts alike.
Scheyer’s staff has been following Goosby closely over the past few months, but now the pursuit has intensified. Sources close to the program indicate that Duke has made Goosby a top priority in the backcourt, alongside a few other top-tier prospects. What separates Goosby from the pack, however, is his versatility and the way his game fits seamlessly into the style that Scheyer and the Blue Devils have been cultivating since the coaching transition.
Since taking over for Coach K, Jon Scheyer has put a unique stamp on the Duke program. He’s focused on developing guards who can initiate offense, switch defensively, and stretch the floor. Goosby checks all those boxes. He’s a guard who doesn’t need the ball in his hands every possession to make an impact, yet he can take over when necessary. His high motor and leadership on the court make him not just a stat-sheet stuffer, but also a tone-setter—something Duke has been seeking more of as it builds its new identity.
Austin Goosby’s rise hasn’t come out of nowhere. From early on in his high school career, he showcased an innate feel for the game. By his sophomore season, he was already on the radar of scouts and coaches around the country. Playing in one of Texas’s most competitive prep circuits, Goosby has consistently proven he can perform under pressure. His performances at national showcases and on the EYBL (Elite Youth Basketball League) circuit only added fuel to the fire. Whether it’s hitting a clutch three or locking down an opposing guard, Goosby has a knack for making plays when they matter most.
It’s no surprise then that schools like Kansas, Kentucky, Baylor, Arkansas, and North Carolina have all been in contact with Goosby. Each program sees him as a player who could come in and contribute immediately. But Duke’s history of developing NBA-ready guards may give them an edge in this recruiting battle. With recent first-rounders like Tyrese Proctor, Jared McCain, and Jeremy Roach helping to maintain Duke’s reputation as “Guard U,” Scheyer can offer Goosby not only immediate playing time but also a path to the professional ranks.
The timing of Duke’s full-court press on Goosby is also strategic. As the Blue Devils reshape their backcourt heading into 2025 and beyond, securing a commitment from a guard of Goosby’s caliber would be a statement. With Jared McCain expected to be in the NBA by then and Caleb Foster potentially exploring pro options as well, the backcourt could be wide open. That leaves ample room for Goosby to come in, compete for a starting role, and perhaps become the face of the team’s next recruiting cycle.
More importantly, Goosby represents a type of player Scheyer wants to build around—not just talented, but mature, competitive, and wired to win. Coaches who’ve worked with Goosby often rave about his demeanor during practice, his willingness to be coached, and his ability to elevate teammates. That mental makeup is something Duke has always prized, and it’s clear Scheyer is carrying that tradition forward.
Duke’s interest has already resulted in a campus visit invitation being extended to Goosby. A trip to Durham could be a critical step in this courtship. For recruits, a visit to Duke’s storied campus often seals the deal. Cameron Indoor Stadium’s atmosphere, the brotherhood culture, and the opportunity to play in one of the most intense college basketball environments are often too compelling to ignore. Should Goosby make the trip and click with current players and coaches, the odds of him donning a Blue Devil jersey could increase significantly.
Goosby, for his part, has remained composed about the process. In recent interviews, he’s emphasized fit, development, and winning culture as key components in his decision-making. Duke certainly checks all those boxes. While some players chase NIL opportunities or early spotlight, Goosby’s camp has reportedly prioritized a program that will make him better as a player and a person. Scheyer, known for his personal relationships with players and his reputation as a developmental coach, may be just what Goosby is looking for.
As for what Goosby could bring to Durham, the answer is just about everything. Offensively, he’s a three-level scorer who can finish at the rim, knock down midrange jumpers, and stretch the defense with consistent perimeter shooting. He’s also a confident ball-handler who excels in pick-and-roll situations and isn’t afraid to make the extra pass. On defense, he uses his length and anticipation to disrupt passing lanes and force turnovers. He’s the kind of two-way player that Duke values, especially in high-stakes ACC battles.
Beyond the tangible skills, Goosby would bring a mentality that could anchor the team during transitional periods. If Duke does land him, he’d likely be the centerpiece of a class that also includes elite wings and bigs. But Goosby’s leadership and floor presence could set the tone early, making him a Scheyer favorite from day one. With the college game evolving to mirror more NBA-style spacing and tempo, guards like Goosby—quick, smart, and skilled—have become indispensable.
In the big picture, this recruitment could also signal a broader trend for Duke. After building most of their recent classes around forwards and wings, the focus may be shifting back to elite guard play. In a crowded ACC that includes teams like North Carolina, Miami, and Virginia, having a reliable playmaker at the helm is crucial. Goosby could be that piece for Duke, helping to ensure the Blue Devils remain atop the national conversation for years to come.
The upcoming months will be telling. With summer AAU events and fall official visits looming, Goosby will soon narrow down his list and move closer to a decision. While it’s still a tight race, Duke’s recent push—paired with its unmatched tradition, elite facilities, and Jon Scheyer’s rising stock—makes it one of the most attractive options on the board. If Goosby feels the fit is right, Blue Devils fans could be welcoming another future star to Cameron Indoor in the not-so-distant future.
Until then, the recruiting spotlight remains fixed on Austin Goosby and where he’ll choose to take his talents. But one thing is already clear: Duke wants him, and Jon Scheyer isn’t leaving anything to chance. The courtship of Goosby could very well become the defining pursuit of Duke’s 2025 recruiting class—and a move that shapes the program’s trajectory for years to come.