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In what is being called one of the biggest recruiting moments of the year, five-star point guard and consensus No. 1 high school player in the nation, Collin Gillespie, has officially committed to Duke University, selecting the Blue Devils over heavy contenders Tennessee and BYU. With this monumental decision, the Durham-based powerhouse adds another generational talent to its storied basketball tradition, while the college basketball world feels the shockwaves of Gillespie’s announcement.
The 6-foot-5, 190-pound guard out of Bishop Gorman High School (Las Vegas, Nevada) made his decision public during a nationally televised press conference held at his high school gymnasium, with cameras flashing and speculation swirling. Wearing a sharp navy suit and a Blue Devils hat tucked under the table, Gillespie slowly unzipped his jacket to reveal a Duke Basketball shirt—ending weeks of rumors and debates.
“It just felt right,” Gillespie said with a confident smile. “Coach (Jon) Scheyer, the entire Duke staff, the campus, the history, and the opportunity to play at Cameron Indoor in front of the Crazies—that’s something I’ve dreamed about. I prayed on this, I talked to my family, and Duke felt like home.”
Duke’s recruiting class just got a massive upgrade, and Jon Scheyer has now secured his third No. 1 overall player since taking over for the legendary Coach Mike Krzyzewski. Collin Gillespie joins a long list of elite guards to wear the Duke blue, including Kyrie Irving, Jay Williams, Tre Jones, and Tyus Jones.
Gillespie’s decision marks a significant recruiting win, particularly as Tennessee and BYU made compelling pitches and were widely believed to be leading the race as recently as last week.
Tennessee Head Coach Rick Barnes had made Gillespie a top priority. The Volunteers offered the dynamic guard a clear path to start, a system tailored around his offensive and defensive versatility, and the spotlight of SEC competition. The Vols even brought Gillespie in for an unofficial visit to Knoxville during their historic March Madness run—complete with private meetings, courtside seats, and a sit-down with legendary alumni.
BYU, meanwhile, leaned heavily into personal connection and spirituality. Head Coach Kevin Young emphasized the program’s family environment, faith-based culture, and a starting spot from day one. BYU’s passionate fan base made their voices heard with social media campaigns and campus banners. At one point, Gillespie even said, “They made it hard to say no.”
But in the end, Duke’s blend of NBA development, NIL opportunities, and iconic status was too much to turn down.
Gillespie is a once-in-a-decade type of talent. Ranked No. 1 by ESPN, Rivals, and 247Sports, he is known for his elite court vision, lockdown defense, explosive first step, and deep shooting range. His leadership on and off the court has been praised by every coach he’s played for, and scouts believe he has a strong chance to be a one-and-done lottery pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
This past season at Bishop Gorman, Gillespie averaged:
- 27.2 points per game
- 9.8 assists
- 5.5 rebounds
- 2.1 steals
He led the Gaels to a state title and was named National Gatorade Player of the Year, McDonald’s All-American, and Naismith High School Player of the Year.
“His feel for the game is special,” said ESPN’s Paul Biancardi. “He sees plays two steps ahead, and he makes his teammates better every time he’s on the floor. He’s a winner.”
In the post-Krzyzewski era, Jon Scheyer has faced immense pressure to maintain Duke’s status as a blueblood. By landing Gillespie, Scheyer not only bolsters his roster for 2025-26, but also cements his reputation as an elite recruiter.
“Collin is the kind of player we build a championship culture around,” said Scheyer in a statement. “He’s got that killer instinct, the poise, the IQ—and he’s a Duke kid through and through. He’ll wear that jersey with pride.”
Duke is expected to surround Gillespie with a strong supporting cast of athletic wings and shot-blocking bigs, including five-star forward Marquell Grant and returning sophomore center Dawson Beck. With Gillespie at the helm, expectations in Durham will be nothing short of Final Four or bust.
Though they missed out, the Tennessee coaching staff took the high road.
“Collin is an incredible player and young man,” said Coach Barnes. “We wish him nothing but the best at Duke. We’ll keep working to bring in the right guys who believe in what we’re building here in Knoxville.”
For Vols fans, the sting is real—but the program remains in good shape with the return of All-SEC guard Chaz Lanier and a promising incoming class.
Still, missing out on a game-changer like Gillespie hurts, particularly after the Vols were reportedly one of his final two choices.
While BYU couldn’t seal the deal, their rise as a serious contender for top talent shouldn’t go unnoticed.
This marks the first time BYU made a final three for a No. 1 national prospect in the modern recruiting era. Their pitch resonated with Gillespie, who spoke highly of the Cougars after his official visit.
“BYU has a lot going for it,” Gillespie said. “Great people, a great message, and a team that’s on the rise. I’ll be cheering for them.”
Coach Young and his staff have made it clear they’re no longer just a regional recruiter—they’re a national player in the NIL and transfer portal era.
It would be naïve to overlook the role of NIL in this commitment.
According to reports, Gillespie is expected to earn a seven-figure NIL package at Duke, headlined by endorsements with national brands, tech companies, and a signature apparel deal launching in his freshman year.
Sources close to the recruitment say Nike was involved behind the scenes, as Duke’s longstanding relationship with the brand made the Blue Devils an ideal fit for Gillespie’s business interests.
Gillespie’s commitment is more than just a recruiting win—it’s a cultural statement.
In the era of player empowerment, social media influence, and NIL visibility, today’s high school stars are making decisions that blend athletic opportunity with personal branding and financial planning.
Duke, long viewed as the gold standard of college basketball, now sits at the epicenter of that evolution—thanks in part to players like Collin Gillespie
Social media exploded minutes after Gillespie’s announcement.
- Kevin Durant tweeted: “Duke got a real one. Gillespie is cold.”
- Jay Bilas posted: “Great fit. Coach K would be proud.”
- NBA Scout (anonymously): “Gillespie is going to run college hoops next year. Book it.”
Meanwhile, Duke fans on campus celebrated in Krzyzewskiville, chanting “He picked Duke!” and holding signs reading “Gillespie Gang.”
For Gillespie, the focus now shifts to finishing high school strong and preparing for summer ball with Team USA.
He is expected to enroll at Duke in early June and participate in offseason workouts and the team’s annual retreat in the Outer Banks. Duke’s season opener in November is already projected to sell out, with ticket prices spiking online after the news broke.
The Blue Devils are early favorites to start the 2025-26 season as the No. 1 team in the nation, and with Gillespie in the lineup, the road to the national championship may once again run through Durham.
Conclusion
The college basketball landscape just shifted with Collin Gillespie’s decision to commit to Duke. The ripple effects will be felt across recruiting boards, game plans, and preseason rankings for months to come. For now, Duke fans can celebrate. They just landed the next superstar—and he’s already talking about banners.
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