In the ever-evolving world of college basketball recruiting, the name “Duke” carries with it not just tradition and prestige but also a legacy that often becomes generational. As head coach Jon Scheyer continues to reshape the future of the Blue Devils program, he appears to be turning his attention toward a name that echoes through the halls of Cameron Indoor Stadium—one tied to a Duke legend. The younger brother of a beloved former Blue Devil is now firmly on Duke’s recruiting radar, and the implications are both emotional and strategic.
While Duke fans have grown used to five-star commits and blue-chip prospects flooding Durham, the potential addition of a prospect with deep personal ties to the university could mark a significant moment. This isn’t just about talent—it’s about heritage.
Legacy in the Making
The buzz began earlier this spring when recruiting insiders noted that Jon Scheyer had shown increasing interest in class of 2026 guard Jalen Blakes Jr., the younger brother of former Duke guard Jalen Blakes, who became a fan favorite during his time at Durham. The elder Blakes, though never a one-and-done or lottery pick, was celebrated for his relentless hustle, defensive grit, and unwavering loyalty to the program. Now, it appears his younger brother is carrying the torch forward—with a skillset that could push Duke’s backcourt into another era of dominance.
Jalen Blakes Jr. (whose nickname is “JBJ” among grassroots followers) is quickly rising up national rankings and currently plays for one of New Jersey’s elite high school programs. While he and his older brother share a name and position, JBJ is carving out his own identity as a playmaker with scoring instincts and vision beyond his years.
At 6-foot-3, 180 pounds, he brings more offensive firepower than his older brother did at the same stage, blending smooth ball-handling with a deadly pull-up jumper. College scouts rave about his poise, his court awareness, and a competitive motor that seems to be a family trait.
Scheyer’s Strategic Interest
For Jon Scheyer, recruiting JBJ isn’t simply about sentimentality—it’s about fit. As Duke continues to evolve post-Coach K, Scheyer has prioritized guards who can play with pace, defend multiple positions, and make high-IQ decisions. JBJ fits that profile perfectly. He’s a coach’s dream: vocal on the court, humble off it, and fueled by a desire to make winning plays.
Scheyer and his staff made initial contact during the 2024-25 high school season, but sources close to the Blakes family confirmed that Duke’s interest has accelerated in recent months. Assistant coach Jai Lucas reportedly watched JBJ at the Nike EYBL session in Indianapolis, where he dropped 21 points, 7 assists, and 3 steals in front of a crowd packed with blue-blood recruiters.
After the game, he was peppered with questions about the potential of playing at Duke.
“Obviously, my brother loved his time at Duke. He always talks about it like it’s a second home,” JBJ said. “But right now, I’m just focused on getting better and keeping my options open. If Duke calls, we’ll listen. That’s family.”
The Brotherhood Advantage
The Duke “Brotherhood” isn’t just a hashtag—it’s a recruiting weapon. From Grant Hill to JJ Redick to Jayson Tatum, the program has built a fraternity of success and lifelong connections. The idea of JBJ continuing the Blakes name at Duke resonates not only with fans but with those inside the program.
Scheyer, who played at Duke under Mike Krzyzewski and understands the power of continuity, sees legacy recruits as important anchors. While not every legacy is pursued—fit and skill remain paramount—the emotional draw of having a second Blakes on campus can’t be overstated.
“Jalen [Blakes] was everything we want in a Duke player: selfless, tough, relentless,” Scheyer said in a March interview. “If his brother shares that DNA, you have to take a serious look.”
The elder Blakes, now preparing for a professional career overseas, remains close to the program and frequently returns to Durham to work out and mentor younger Blue Devils. His presence on campus last summer reportedly helped introduce JBJ to some current players and coaches, laying early groundwork for what could become a full-circle recruitment.
Scouting Report: How JBJ Fits the Duke Mold
Basketball analysts who’ve seen JBJ in both AAU and high school action describe a guard who plays beyond his age. He’s not a high-volume shooter, but he picks his spots well. He’s also earned a reputation as a tenacious on-ball defender, which isn’t surprising given his brother’s emphasis on defense.
“He’s got that Duke mentality already,” said Paul Biancardi, ESPN’s national recruiting director. “He competes like it’s a championship game every time he’s on the court. He’s coachable, tough, and knows how to lead a team.”
One of JBJ’s most intriguing qualities is his ability to shift between roles. He can play on the ball or off it, thrive in transition or half-court sets, and is unafraid of big moments. This versatility is exactly what Scheyer and Duke value in modern guards—especially in a world where one-and-dones are giving way to multi-year contributors with polished skills.
With Jeremy Roach graduated, and Tyrese Proctor likely NBA-bound after the 2025 season, the Blue Devils are expected to lean heavily on their next wave of guards. JBJ could become a key piece in that puzzle, whether as a floor general or combo guard in a dynamic system.
Other Schools Pursuing JBJ
Duke isn’t the only program expressing interest. According to recruiting insiders, JBJ has drawn interest from Villanova, Michigan, UConn, Virginia, and Stanford. Each program brings a different angle—Villanova emphasizes development, Michigan offers early playing time, and UConn leans into its national championship pedigree.
Still, the gravitational pull of Duke is powerful.
“He knows what Duke means to our family,” the elder Blakes told The Athletic. “But we’ve told him from day one—carve your own path. If that leads to Durham, we’d be proud. If not, we’re proud of him regardless.”
That approach has grounded JBJ during a critical stretch of his development. His current focus is on the upcoming EYBL circuit and an invite to the USA Basketball U17 trials. If he earns a spot on the national team, his recruitment could enter warp speed.
Timeline for a Decision
JBJ and his family have been deliberate about not rushing into commitments. Unlike many recruits who announce early and reclassify, JBJ seems intent on taking official visits and gathering as much insight as possible before choosing a school. The expectation is that he will trim his list in early 2026 and commit by the fall.
As of now, Duke has yet to officially offer—but all signs point to one being extended this summer.
Scheyer has been methodical in his offers during recent classes, emphasizing culture and team-first attitudes over hype and mixtape stardom. JBJ checks both boxes: high-character and high-ceiling.
If Duke does offer, expect Cameron Crazies to start rallying behind the “Brotherhood 2.0” storyline quickly. Few narratives stir the emotions of Duke fans like loyalty and legacy.
What This Could Mean for the Future
Landing JBJ wouldn’t just be about securing a talented guard—it would be about deepening the emotional connection between program and player. In an age of NIL, constant transfers, and fleeting commitments, having someone who already understands what Duke represents could be a stabilizing force.
Moreover, it signals that Duke under Scheyer remains committed to blending tradition with the new era of college basketball. While many schools chase hype and flash, Duke is increasingly targeting prospects who want to grow within a system, earn their minutes, and represent something bigger than themselves.
Final Thoughts: The Next Chapter?
Jalen Blakes Jr. is still writing his high school story, but the Duke chapter may be looming. As he continues to develop, the interest from Scheyer and his staff will likely intensify—and if a scholarship offer comes through, don’t be surprised to see JBJ wearing Duke blue in the near future.
And if he does, expect a standing ovation in Cameron not just for the newest recruit—but for the legacy of the name on the back of his jersey.
Because at Duke, it’s more than basketball. It’s family. And for the Blakes brothers, that legacy might just be getting started.