The college basketball landscape never sleeps, and in Durham, North Carolina, the Duke Blue Devils are deep into their offseason reload. While Jon Scheyer’s team boasts a top-tier recruiting class for the 2025 cycle, the coaching staff isn’t done yet. In fact, a late-rising forward—whose stock has exploded after a dominant spring AAU circuit—is now on campus for an official visit, signaling Duke’s continued aggressiveness in reshaping its frontcourt.
This surging forward is 6-foot-9 powerhouse Kaden House, a player whose name was only a whisper among scouts six months ago but now rings out in NBA circles. Duke’s interest in House is no accident. The Blue Devils are navigating a critical juncture in their roster construction, balancing five-star freshmen, returning veterans, and portal entries while eyeing long-term player development. House’s visit signals another domino potentially falling in what is shaping up to be one of the most fascinating offseasons in Duke basketball history.
The departure of big man Kyle Filipowski to the NBA was expected. His All-American impact leaves a significant hole in Duke’s frontcourt. Additionally, Mark Mitchell entered the transfer portal, surprising many inside the program. Combined with the uncertain future of center Christian Reeves—who has battled injuries—the Blue Devils are thin on reliable big bodies with experience.
On the flip side, Duke welcomes a monstrous freshman class headlined by No. 1 overall recruit Cooper Flagg, guard Isaiah Evans, and combo forward Kon Knueppel. While Flagg has generational talent, he thrives more as a hybrid forward than a true post anchor. Duke also picked up Maliq Brown, a defensive-minded forward from Syracuse through the transfer portal, but Brown is best suited in a supporting role.
This dynamic creates an urgent need for a versatile, high-motor forward who can contribute immediately while not crowding Flagg’s development. That’s where Kaden House enters the picture.
Until recently, Kaden House was flying under the radar. Hailing from a small high school in Phoenix, Arizona, the 6-foot-9, 225-pound forward put up strong numbers in his senior year—averaging 22 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 blocks per game—but scouts were slow to catch on due to competition level and limited national exposure.
Everything changed in March when House joined the Arizona Unity program on the Nike EYBL circuit. Over the course of several weekends, House dominated elite competition with his rebounding tenacity, rim protection, and expanding offensive game. He’s not just a dunker—House can hit the midrange shot, pass out of the post, and defend multiple positions.
Since then, he’s vaulted into the top 30 of several recruiting services, with some analysts labeling him a “late bloomer with a lottery ceiling.” Duke’s staff took notice during EYBL Louisville and quickly prioritized him. Now, House is taking his first official visit to campus, and the Blue Devils have moved into a strong position.
Sources close to the Duke program say Scheyer and his staff view House as an ideal “glue guy” in a rotation of stars. He doesn’t need the ball to be effective but can step up when called upon. In many ways, he resembles players like Wendell Carter Jr. or Amile Jefferson—tough, smart, and adaptable.
For House, the interest is mutual. According to a recent interview with 247Sports, House said, “Duke is one of those places you dream about. Watching Coach K teams growing up, seeing Zion, RJ, Tatum—now having the chance to wear that jersey is unreal.”
He also praised Scheyer’s player development focus and modern playing style. “They play fast, they share the ball, and they let guys be themselves. That’s big for me.”
Duke is pitching House on a clear role: high-level minutes as a complementary piece alongside Flagg and Evans, with a chance to start by midseason. They’ve also made the case that House could be the defensive anchor needed in a group stacked with scoring.
Duke isn’t the only program pushing hard. Kansas, Arizona, Baylor, and Oregon have all offered visits, with Kansas seen as the primary competition. Bill Self has a reputation for molding versatile forwards into NBA picks, and House has taken note.
Still, Duke may have the upper hand due to timing and need. With Mitchell gone and Flagg playing more like a wing defensively, Scheyer can offer something Kansas can’t: immediate minutes in the ACC spotlight.
The Blue Devils also have momentum. After flipping 2024 point guard Tyrese Palmer from Michigan State last week, Duke is building a reputation as the offseason’s most assertive recruiter. They’re balancing high school targets with portal additions and looking to find that perfect hybrid—the high-upside freshman who can contribute early but also develop over time.
If House commits within the next few weeks, Duke could shut down its high school recruiting for the cycle, satisfied that it’s found the final puzzle piece.
Scheyer’s first few seasons have shown flashes of brilliance, but also growing pains. Duke’s 2024 tournament exit in the Sweet 16 stung—especially with Cooper Flagg set to arrive amid massive expectations. Critics argue that the Blue Devils lacked defensive grit and frontcourt toughness in big games. House could address both.
Unlike some bluebloods, Scheyer has leaned toward multi-year players mixed with one-and-done stars. He’s made it clear in interviews that he values program culture and role clarity. House checks every box.
“He’s about the right things,” said a source close to the staff. “He plays hard, doesn’t chase stats, and wants to win. He’s the kind of guy who makes Flagg even better.”
Adding House also sends a message. Duke isn’t resting on talent alone. They’re building a complete team—and doing it with intention.
House’s visit to Duke will conclude with a Saturday scrimmage at Cameron Indoor, where he’ll see Flagg and the other incoming freshmen run drills and scrimmage with returning players. He’s expected to speak with strength coach David Bradley and player development coordinator Amile Jefferson, both of whom are key parts of Duke’s recruiting pitch.
A commitment isn’t expected immediately, but the timeline is tight. House has said he wants to make a decision by mid-May to enroll early for summer training.
If Duke lands him, expect the Blue Devils to leap even further up preseason rankings. Most analysts already place Duke in the top five nationally, but a commitment from House would solidify their depth and versatility, especially in the frontcourt.
On the other hand, if he goes elsewhere—particularly to Kansas—Duke may turn its attention to the portal again, possibly eyeing a veteran forward who can provide physicality and rebounding.
But for now, all eyes are on Kaden House, the surging forward whose rise has captivated scouts and coaches alike. His visit to Durham might just be the final step before the Blue Devils close the door on one of the most efficient, talent-balanced offseasons in recent memory.
Duke basketball is at a crossroads—but it’s the kind of crossroads any program would dream of. With elite talent arriving and more on the way, the addition of a late-rising forward like Kaden House could be the final piece that sets this roster apart. Scheyer’s vision is clear: build not just for headlines, but for March.
