The college basketball recruiting world can shift rapidly. One breakout tournament or a single viral highlight reel can dramatically transform a high school prospect’s national perception. That is precisely what’s happening with one of Duke basketball’s top 2025 targets, whose stock has skyrocketed over the past few months. With the Blue Devils recalibrating their post-Krzyzewski recruiting strategies under Jon Scheyer, landing elite talent in each class has remained a priority—and this rising star now sits firmly in their sights.
For months, the player was seen as a solid, high-upside four-star prospect, hovering around the 40s or 50s in most composite rankings. Coaches across the country liked his length, his motor, and his potential as a two-way weapon. But following a blistering start to the spring AAU circuit, in which he dominated elite competition across multiple weekends, his name is now being mentioned in five-star conversations. And with that meteoric rise comes an inevitable increase in attention—from fans, media, and blueblood programs alike.
Duke’s interest in the player is no secret. The Blue Devils were among the first high-major programs to express confidence in his future stardom. They hosted him on an unofficial visit last fall, laid out a clear developmental plan, and have maintained regular contact through Scheyer and the assistant staff. Now, that early groundwork looks like it could pay massive dividends.
The player, who stands at 6-foot-7 with a wingspan near seven feet, has versatility written all over his game. He’s capable of playing the two, three, or even small-ball four depending on the matchup. Defensively, he guards multiple positions with instinct and energy. Offensively, he’s made dramatic improvements in his outside shooting and decision-making—traits that NBA scouts are already taking notice of despite him still being in high school.
What separates this prospect from others isn’t just the skill set, though. It’s the intangibles—his competitiveness, his work ethic, and his clear desire to be great. Coaches who’ve worked with him on the grassroots level speak about his leadership in huddles, his attention to detail during film sessions, and his ability to absorb coaching. He’s a player who treats every rep in practice like a live game situation, and it shows when he steps on the court.
During the early months of the 2025 recruiting cycle, Duke was casting a wide net—checking in on combo guards, bigs with touch, and wings with positional flexibility. But as the spring wore on and evaluations deepened, this player began to separate himself from the rest. His performances at high-profile events like Nike EYBL and the Pangos All-American Camp were electric. He posted multiple games of 25+ points, hit clutch shots under pressure, and made highlight-reel plays in transition. Perhaps most importantly, he led his team to consistent wins against loaded rosters.
Recruiting analysts have responded accordingly. Rivals bumped him into their top 25, 247Sports elevated him into the top 20, and ESPN insiders have hinted that he’s knocking on the door of five-star status pending his summer circuit performances. The recruiting industry’s consensus is shifting—he’s no longer a diamond in the rough. He’s a gem everyone’s now chasing.
Duke, of course, has no shortage of competition. Programs like Kansas, Kentucky, and North Carolina have ramped up their interest in recent weeks. Alabama and Baylor have also extended offers, and Michigan State reportedly sent their full staff to his last tournament game. Still, there’s a quiet confidence within the Duke circle that they’ve laid the necessary groundwork.
A major turning point could come this summer, when official visits are scheduled to ramp up. Duke is expected to bring him to Durham for a multi-day visit, giving him an in-depth look at the program’s culture, facilities, and future vision. Scheyer has placed an increased emphasis on player development and NBA preparedness, which resonates deeply with this player and his camp.
There’s also the legacy factor. Duke’s ability to consistently churn out NBA-caliber wings—think Brandon Ingram, Jayson Tatum, RJ Barrett, and most recently Dariq Whitehead—stands out in conversations with recruits. The program’s emphasis on spacing, tempo, and playing through skilled wings aligns perfectly with his strengths. He isn’t just looking for a college fit; he’s looking for a platform to elevate his career to the next level.
The timing of his breakout also aligns favorably with Duke’s roster outlook. The Blue Devils are expected to lose multiple players to the 2025 NBA Draft, opening up key minutes on the wing. That creates a natural opportunity for a ready-made, high-upside freshman to come in and contribute right away—especially one with elite defensive instincts and a refined perimeter game.
Coaches around the country are doing their part to gain traction, but Scheyer and Duke have been strategic and measured in their approach. They’ve emphasized relationship-building over hard sells. They’ve presented a vision of who the player could become, not just what he is now. It’s a pitch that has increasingly resonated, especially with the influence of mentors and trainers who value long-term development over short-term flash.
The player himself has handled his rise with remarkable composure. In interviews, he speaks about the process with maturity, noting that while the attention is flattering, it hasn’t changed his approach. He remains focused on getting better, helping his team win, and soaking in the experience without being overwhelmed by it.
Scouts love his progress curve. A year ago, he was largely seen as a raw athlete with tools. Today, he’s a three-level scorer with a developing handle and an improving basketball IQ. The jump in his shooting mechanics—from a slow release to a quicker, more consistent motion—has turned heads. He’s become more aggressive off the dribble, more confident in catch-and-shoot situations, and more adept at making the right reads on the fast break.
For Duke fans following the 2025 class closely, this player’s rise offers a jolt of excitement. In an era where the transfer portal has shifted some focus away from traditional high school recruiting, the allure of signing a homegrown five-star wing who fits the program’s blueprint remains strong. He has the makings of a future star—both in college and beyond.
The months ahead will be crucial. Summer circuit events, official visits, and continued development will shape the final stretch of his recruitment. Duke will likely continue prioritizing him as one of their foundational 2025 targets. If all goes well, they could find themselves with a player who not only fits their culture but helps define it moving forward.
In a class that’s still being sorted out at the national level, this rising star is becoming one of the key names to know. He may not have entered the year with five-star buzz, but he’s quickly turned that conversation around. For Duke, the opportunity to secure a commitment from a player ascending at this rate could be a game-changer.
Whether it ends with him wearing a Blue Devils jersey remains to be seen. But what’s clear right now is this: he’s no longer a sleeper. He’s a top-tier talent. And Duke is right in the middle of the race.
