Duke Basketball is among the most active in a five-star sweepstakes

The Duke basketball coaches continue to seem like frontrunners for Jordan Smith Jr., but the junior’s recruitment is still in its early stages.

Jordan Smith Jr., a 6-foot-2, 200-pound five-star from Paul VI Catholic High School (Va.), has already visited Duke’s basketball program once, along with another 2026 guard, Brandon McCoy Jr. of St. John Bosco High School (Calif.), in early November.

And, according to Smith, who plays for a school that has produced four Duke basketball players this decade, Jon Scheyer and the Blue Devils are still among the recruiters he hears the most from. He earned an offer from Durham in July, making him one of the program’s first full-fledged targets for the 2026 cycle.

Smith told Dushawn London of 247Sports that he plans to ask coaches when it’s a good time to return for officials, but currently has no scheduled trips. “Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisville, Georgetown, Duke, and Syracuse are some of the schools recruiting me the hardest right now.”

London said that Kentucky is the only staff member who has made an in-home visit with Smith, whose “recruitment remains open and in its early stages.”

Jordan Smith Jr. is presently ranked fourth overall, first among shooting guards, and first in Virginia by the 247Sports 2026 Composite.

MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of SI’s Duke Blue Devils, North Carolina Tar Heels, and NC State Wolfpack, giving him a valuable source for in-depth coverage of these legendary college basketball schools. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been committed to delivering in-depth analysis, breaking news, and unique material for all three teams. He discusses everything from game predictions and recaps to player biographies and recruitment information. Matt’s extensive understanding of these teams has made his work a must-read for fans and watchers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he determines editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely content reaches his target audience.

The top 30 recruits have posted a powerful message following their visit with Jon Scheyer, Duke

In the 2025 men’s basketball ultimate player rankings, the Duke Blue Devils had the third-best basketball recruiting class, and they may not be finished.

At present, all three of the incoming recruits of head coach Jon Scheyer are ranked within the top 25 of the final rankings.

Cameron Boozer, the two-time National High School Player of the Year, is Duke’s most highly recruited player. Boozer’s Columbus High (OH) team has won four consecutive state championships. He concluded his high school tenure as the number three overall player in the class and the nation’s top power forward (247 Sports).

Nikolas Khamenia, a 6-foot-8 small forward from Harvard Westlake (CA), is the second recruit to join Duke after Cameron Boozer. Khamenia is the third-ranked small forward and is ranked 15th in the final rankings (247 Sports).

Jon Scheyer is the head coach of the Duke Blue Devils.
Dale Zanine Imagery

Cameron Boozer’s identical sibling, Cayden, is Duke’s third recruit. He is the 23rd overall rated athlete and the No. 4 ranking point guard.

McDonald’s All-Americans comprised each of the three new competitors.

Sebastian Wilkins, a six-foot-eight forward, is regarded as one of the top 30 recruits in the Class of 2026 (On3) and is a four-star prospect. Nevertheless, Brandon Jenkins of 247Sports reports that he has not disregarded the possibility of a late reclassification.

“Wilkins has the option to reclassify into the 2025 recruiting class, which would allow him to provide some reinforcements for the upcoming year’s roster if he chooses to enter the college ranks a year early.”

Wilkins recently visited Duke, following which he expressed his enthusiasm.

“I had an excellent official visit to Duke University!” The subject of Wilkins’ writing was X.

Had a great official visit at Duke University!! pic.twitter.com/rRPBvoRkob

— Sebastian Wilkins (@Sebastian11wilk) May 7, 2025

Jenkins’ official Duke basketball visit post contained a plethora of photographs of himself in Blue Devils attire and with his family in the home locker room of Cameron Indoor Stadium.

The 29th overall athlete and the fourth ranked power forward in the 2026 recruiting class is the four-star recruit.