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NO NBA DRAFT! NO TRANSFER PORTAL ENTRY: ‘Slim’ Picks Duke Basketball Program for Sophomore Season – DUKE THROUGH AND THROUGH
In an era where college basketball stars often leap toward the NBA Draft or explore greener pastures in the transfer portal, Duke’s rising phenom, Sean “Slim” Stewart, made a declaration that shocked the hoops world—in the most loyal way possible.
“I’m not going anywhere,” Stewart announced on social media, accompanied by a graphic of himself in a Duke jersey, arms crossed in front of Cameron Indoor Stadium. “Duke through and through. Sophomore season, let’s work.”
The six-foot-nine forward had plenty of options after a stellar freshman campaign, drawing interest from NBA scouts and inquiries from elite programs looking to poach via the portal. Instead, Slim made a choice that has become rarer among one-and-done talents: he chose to stay.
This decision is more than just a personal commitment—it’s a cultural statement. And for the Blue Devils faithful, it might just be the cornerstone of something special.
Stewart averaged 13.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game as a freshman, making the ACC All-Freshman Team and leading Duke in several key metrics throughout the regular season. His length, agility, and defensive instincts made him a matchup nightmare on both ends of the floor.
Many had him penciled in as a mid-to-late first-round NBA Draft selection. Others assumed he might seek a program where he could be the undisputed No. 1 option. But Slim didn’t flinch.
In a recent interview with The Devils’ Den, Stewart explained the reasoning behind his decision:
“I’ve got more to prove here. I love my teammates. I love Coach (Jon) Scheyer. And I’m not finished growing as a player. Duke’s home.”
This is music to the ears of Blue Devils Nation. In a climate where loyalty is fleeting and roster churn has become the norm, Stewart’s return gives Duke a stabilizing presence and a shot at championship continuity.
When Jon Scheyer took over for Coach K in 2022, questions swirled about whether the 35-year-old first-time head coach could maintain Duke’s blueblood status. He’s answered those questions with elite recruiting, back-to-back Sweet 16 appearances, and a culture that appears built for the long haul.
Slim’s commitment validates Scheyer’s approach. The emphasis on player development, team chemistry, and long-term investment is clearly resonating. And while the portal era encourages immediate gratification, Stewart is betting on legacy.
“Coach Scheyer told me from day one, ‘We want to build you into a pro—not rush you into one,’” Stewart said. “I trusted that, and I still do.”
Duke’s staff has always been known for churning out NBA-ready talent, but the culture has evolved. The program is no longer just a launchpad; it’s becoming a proving ground again.
Slim’s return catapults Duke into immediate contention for the 2025 NCAA Championship.
With Stewart anchoring the frontcourt and elite talents like Caleb Foster and Jared McCain expected to return, Duke’s core remains as lethal as ever. Throw in a top-5 recruiting class that includes five-star guard Dylan Harper and versatile wing Isaiah Evans, and the Blue Devils boast a roster that blends experience with upside.
Make no mistake—this wasn’t just a feel-good decision. It’s a winning one.
“Slim coming back sets the tone,” assistant coach Chris Carrawell said. “That’s a leader move. And our young guys are gonna feed off that.”
Scheyer and his staff are thrilled not just with what Stewart brings to the court, but with how his presence galvanizes the locker room.
“He’s the guy everyone looks to,” Carrawell added. “He works hard. He never complains. He’s our foundation now.”
Few players develop the kind of emotional connection to Duke in just one year that Stewart has. From the moment he arrived on campus, he bought in—not just to the basketball, but to the brotherhood.
Nicknamed “Slim” because of his wiry frame, Stewart turned heads early with his motor, rim protection, and emerging offensive skill set. He quickly evolved from a rotation piece to a reliable two-way force.
Teammates rave about his presence. Coaches laud his maturity. Fans embraced him instantly.
“Being at Duke isn’t just about putting on the jersey,” Stewart said in March. “It’s about putting on for the program. You play for the guys before you—and the ones coming next.”
Those words now ring louder than ever.
Sources close to Stewart confirm he was approached by multiple agents advising him to enter the NBA Draft after his standout tournament performance. Others reached out regarding transfer opportunities with promises of higher NIL deals and larger roles.
But Slim didn’t entertain them for long.
“It wasn’t about what I could get—it was about what I could build,” he said.
NIL money is certainly available at Duke, but that wasn’t the point. Slim had already turned down more lucrative offers elsewhere during his recruitment. Loyalty isn’t new for him—it’s ingrained.
His parents, longtime educators in Orlando, raised him on the values of commitment, focus, and integrity. And it shows.
When Slim posted his decision on X (formerly Twitter), the reactions poured in. Former Duke greats like Grant Hill, Jay Williams, and Jayson Tatum all responded with messages of support.
“True Blue Devil move,” wrote Hill. “That’s legacy stuff.”
Duke fans, still stung from last year’s Elite Eight exit, found new hope.
“Championship DNA right there,” one fan tweeted. “Slim’s got unfinished business, and we’re ready to ride with him.”
Even NBA scouts praised the move privately.
“He’ll be a lottery pick next year if he stays healthy,” one Eastern Conference scout said. “Another year under Scheyer will polish his game even more.”
Slim’s return isn’t just symbolic—it’s strategic. His game still has room to grow, and he knows it.
Here are three areas he’s targeting:
1. Expanded Offensive Game
While Stewart thrived in the paint, he’s been working on stretching the floor with a consistent midrange and three-point jumper. If he adds a pick-and-pop element to his game, look out.
2. Playmaking
Slim showed flashes of being a capable passer out of the post and in transition. Developing vision and reading defenses will elevate him to a new tier.
3. Leadership
Perhaps most importantly, he’s ready to lead. With Duke expected to be one of the most scrutinized teams in 2025, Stewart’s calm demeanor and focused mindset will be critical.
More than just a player, Stewart has become a symbol for what the “Duke Brotherhood” aspires to be in the modern era. In a revolving-door landscape, he’s chosen consistency. In a grab-and-go era, he’s chosen growth.
There’s something profoundly rare and admirable about that.
“Slim is who we want representing us,” Scheyer said. “He’s not just back—he’s all in.”
Last year’s tournament run ended with heartbreak. But now, the target is clear.
With Stewart back in the fold, Duke has the personnel, the experience, and now the heart to chase banner No. 6.
And Slim?
He’s not interested in hype. He wants the hardware.
“We were close last year,” he said. “But close doesn’t hang banners. That’s the goal—nothing less.”
In today’s college basketball world, staying can be the most radical choice of all. And for Slim Stewart, it wasn’t just radical—it was personal.
He didn’t just return to Duke. He returned to finish what he started. To build something lasting. To honor the jersey.
No draft. No portal. No regrets.
Duke through and through.
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