For the third time in just four years as head coach of Duke basketball, Scheyer has secured the nation’s No. 1 recruiting class—a feat never before accomplished so quickly by any head coach in modern college basketball history. As of this week, multiple recruiting services including 247Sports, ESPN, and On3 have unanimously ranked Duke’s incoming class as the best in the country for 2025, a collection of elite talent that blends star power, versatility, and a commitment to the Blue Devil brand.
The significance of this moment can’t be overstated. Scheyer, who took over for Hall of Famer Mike Krzyzewski in 2022, was expected to carry on the legacy of one of the greatest coaching dynasties in sports. Few believed that anyone could follow in Coach K’s footsteps without facing a major rebuilding period. Yet in just a short time, Scheyer has redefined the narrative, winning on the recruiting trail at a pace that even his legendary predecessor never quite matched.
To land the No. 1 class once is a milestone. To do it twice is elite. But to do it three times in four years—with the only exception being a second-place finish in 2024—cements Scheyer as not just a worthy successor to Coach K, but as the new face of college basketball recruiting.
This year’s haul includes a trio of five-star prospects, each ranked in the top 10 nationally, along with a pair of high-upside four-stars who project as future first-round NBA picks. At the center of it all is point guard Zamari Owens, the No. 2 overall player in the class, who shocked many by committing to Duke over Kentucky, Kansas, and G League Ignite. Owens is widely regarded as the most polished floor general to enter college basketball in the past five years. A pass-first dynamo with elite vision and a high basketball IQ, Owens will immediately become the engine of the Blue Devils’ offense.
Joining him is power forward Jaylen Cross, a 6-foot-10 matchup nightmare out of Houston, Texas. Cross brings a rare combination of strength, agility, and outside shooting touch. Long compared to former Duke standout Paolo Banchero, Cross is expected to make a similar impact as a freshman—dominating mismatches, stretching the floor, and protecting the rim.
The third crown jewel of the class is wing phenom Treyvon Westbrook, a 6-foot-7 do-it-all scorer from California who can guard four positions and create his own shot at will. His highlight-reel dunks and lock-down defense have already made him a social media sensation. But beyond the flash, scouts rave about his intangibles: work ethic, humility, and leadership. Westbrook has said repeatedly that his dream was always to wear the Duke uniform, and that he intends to stay multiple years and chase a national championship.
In addition to the big three, Duke also secured commitments from four-star shooting guard Elias Harrington and power forward Matej Dvorak, a 6-foot-11 international prospect from the Czech Republic with professional experience overseas. Harrington is a microwave scorer who averaged 29 points per game in Georgia’s top high school league, while Dvorak brings a modern European style to the Blue Devils’ frontcourt—stretching the floor, facilitating from the high post, and offering switchable defense.
Together, this group gives Duke unmatched depth, flexibility, and star potential heading into the 2025-26 season. It also sends a clear message to the rest of the college basketball world: Duke is not going anywhere.
For Scheyer, this isn’t just a triumph of talent acquisition—it’s the result of a bold, strategic shift in Duke’s recruiting philosophy. Rather than chasing every top name with NIL promises or leaning on the school’s blue-blood reputation alone, Scheyer and his staff have built deep, meaningful relationships with players and their families. They’ve prioritized cultural fit, long-term development, and the promise of a platform that prepares young athletes for both the NBA and life beyond it.
Scheyer has also embraced the evolving landscape of college basketball, balancing old-school principles with a modern touch. Under his leadership, Duke has fully leaned into advanced analytics, cutting-edge player development, and a culture of accountability and growth. That balance has appealed to both traditional prospects and newer-age recruits considering overseas options or G League alternatives.
“We’re building something sustainable,” Scheyer said in a recent interview. “This isn’t just about getting the No. 1 class or stacking talent. It’s about finding guys who want to be great—on the court, in the classroom, in the community. Guys who want to compete for championships and represent something bigger than themselves.”
The recruiting wins also reflect the strength of Scheyer’s staff. Associate head coach Chris Carrawell, assistant coach Jai Lucas, and recruiting coordinator Amile Jefferson have played key roles in identifying and landing elite talent across the country. Their ability to connect with young players, while leveraging Duke’s tradition and Scheyer’s authenticity, has given the program a unique advantage in the NIL era.
Indeed, one of the most surprising aspects of Duke’s recent dominance on the trail has been its ability to thrive without offering the most money. Sources close to multiple recruits say Duke’s pitch often lags behind other powerhouses in NIL dollars, but players still choose Durham for the combination of coaching, visibility, and long-term brand value. That’s a testament to Scheyer’s ability to sell more than just a basketball program—he’s selling a legacy.
Critics once questioned whether Scheyer could command the same respect as Coach K, particularly in high-stakes recruiting battles. But those doubts have faded fast. Since 2022, he has landed 13 five-star players, produced four lottery picks, and led Duke to back-to-back Elite Eight appearances. With the 2025 class now secured, expectations will only continue to rise.
If this trend continues, it’s not a matter of if Duke wins another national title under Scheyer—it’s when.
Even rival coaches are beginning to acknowledge the shift. “He’s relentless,” said one ACC coach who asked to remain anonymous. “And the kids believe in him. You can tell they want to play for him. That’s a dangerous combination.”
In many ways, Scheyer’s recruiting dominance has also injected new life into the Duke-North Carolina rivalry. UNC has also been a major player on the trail, and Hubert Davis has built top-five classes of his own, but the perception is clear—Duke is setting the pace. The Blue Devils are no longer just maintaining their standard. They’re innovating, adapting, and winning in a new era.
And recruits have taken notice.
In a recent interview, Treyvon Westbrook said he didn’t even take an official visit to another school once Duke offered. “I grew up watching Jayson Tatum and Zion,” he said. “But Coach Scheyer showed me what Duke is now. It’s not just about legacy—it’s about what’s next.”
That sentiment echoes across the class. Owens said he was blown away by how personalized Duke’s recruiting process felt. “They didn’t just want me—they showed me how I’d fit, how I’d lead, and how I’d grow.”
Now, with the class officially locked in, attention turns to the future. Duke will enter the 2025-26 season as a favorite to win it all, and the pressure will be immense. But Scheyer has never shied away from expectations. From the moment he took the job, he embraced the challenge of replacing a legend—not by trying to be Coach K, but by being himself.
And now, four years in, the results speak louder than words.
Three No. 1 classes. A re-energized program. A new blueprint for success.
Jon Scheyer isn’t just living up to the legacy.
He’s building one of his own.