NO Brother of Duke Basketball Treasure Attracts Interest From Jon Scheyer
DURHAM, N.C. — The brother of a Duke basketball legend is beginning to forge his own path—and it might just lead him right back to the hallowed halls of Cameron Indoor Stadium. As the Blue Devils gear up for a pivotal 2025–26 campaign under head coach Jon Scheyer, a new storyline has emerged: interest in a rising high school star who just so happens to share a last name—and DNA—with one of the most beloved players in Duke history.
Meet Noah “NO” Allen, a 6-foot-6 shooting guard from California’s Sierra Canyon School and the younger brother of Duke basketball legend Grayson Allen. At just 17 years old, NO Allen has been making waves across the national recruiting scene for his dazzling athleticism, deep shooting range, and clutch mentality—all qualities that defined his older brother during his polarizing but undeniably electric tenure in Durham from 2014 to 2018.
But while NO Allen certainly shares some of Grayson’s DNA and work ethic, he’s determined to write his own story—and with interest now pouring in from major programs, including Duke, his moment is arriving faster than expected.
Growing up in Jacksonville, Florida, and later relocating to Los Angeles, Noah “NO” Allen has had an unusual path for a rising basketball star. While his older brother Grayson was a McDonald’s All-American and Duke commit by the time he was 17, Noah has taken a more patient and organic route—developing his game outside of the intense media spotlight for most of his early career.
That all changed this season. NO has averaged 21.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game for Sierra Canyon while shooting 42% from three-point range. He led his team to a state semifinal appearance and collected All-State honors along the way.
“NO has a game that’s mature beyond his years,” Sierra Canyon head coach Andre Chevalier said. “He’s unselfish like Grayson, but he’s also calmer under pressure. His court vision and IQ are top-tier. He’s the type of player who can change a program.”
That calm demeanor is no accident. NO has spent years studying Grayson’s journey—not just the highlights, but the pitfalls, controversies, and the relentless media attention that surrounded him during his time at Duke.
“Grayson and I talk all the time,” NO told reporters after a playoff win. “He always tells me: don’t let them define you. Make your game speak. He taught me to love the pressure and to lean into the grind.”
That advice seems to be paying off.
Duke head coach Jon Scheyer and his staff have been scouting the 2026 class heavily, aiming to build on a recruiting hot streak that has landed stars like Cooper Flagg, Khaman Maluach, and the Boozer twins. But Scheyer’s attention to NO Allen isn’t just a courtesy call or a nod to the past—it’s grounded in performance.
“He’s got everything we look for in a Duke guard,” one assistant told 247Sports anonymously. “Elite shooting mechanics, poise in big moments, and a team-first mentality. The fact that he’s Grayson’s brother? That’s a bonus, but it’s not the reason we’re watching him so closely.”
Allen has yet to receive a formal offer from Duke, but sources confirm that Scheyer made a personal visit to watch him play during the California state playoffs. The Blue Devils’ staff has also been in consistent communication with Sierra Canyon’s coaching staff and the Allen family.
“Coach Scheyer is keeping close tabs,” an insider shared. “They want to evaluate NO’s summer circuit performance before making a final decision on an offer.”
NO Allen’s stock is expected to skyrocket during the 2025 Nike EYBL summer tour, where he’ll play for the Oakland Soldiers—a powerhouse program that’s produced NBA talents like Aaron Gordon and Stanley Johnson.
Scouts are eager to see if Allen can maintain his scoring efficiency against elite national competition. If he does, a wave of high-major offers is expected to follow—and Duke would almost certainly be at the top of the list.
Recruiting analysts say that while Allen is already considered a top-40 national prospect, he could easily ascend into the five-star conversation with a strong AAU showing.
“He’s one of those guys who grows on you the more you watch him,” ESPN’s Paul Biancardi said. “You can tell he understands the game at a high level. His shot selection is excellent, and he defends with pride. There’s a reason Duke is sniffing around.”
Grayson Allen’s career at Duke was nothing short of memorable. He was a four-year player, a national champion in 2015, a two-time All-ACC guard, and one of the most polarizing players in college basketball history. Known for his athleticism, deep range, and fiery personality, Allen embodied the grit and swagger that defined Duke basketball during the Coach K era.
But he was also infamous for on-court incidents—including multiple tripping controversies—that made him a lightning rod for critics.
Despite the baggage, Allen left Duke as a fan favorite, particularly in Durham, where his leadership and commitment to the program made a lasting impression. That legacy could play a significant role in how fans—and perhaps even Scheyer—view NO Allen.
“It’s a rare opportunity,” one Duke alum noted. “To potentially have a second Allen brother wear Duke blue? That’s a nostalgic, emotional storyline. But this isn’t charity. NO’s a real player. He deserves this shot on merit.”
NO Allen’s recruitment is being handled with a balance of family wisdom and personal independence. Sources close to the family say that while Grayson is providing guidance, he’s not pushing his brother toward Duke or any other program.
“Grayson’s been through it all—he wants NO to make the decision that’s right for him,” one family friend told On3. “They’re close, but Grayson’s not trying to script his brother’s life. That said, he’d be proud if NO chose to follow in his footsteps.”
NO has also attracted interest from schools like UCLA, Michigan, Oregon, Arizona, and Texas—all of whom have sent scouts to multiple games.
“Every coach tells me they love my game,” Allen said in a recent interview. “But I want to be somewhere that will push me to become the best version of myself. I’m not chasing a name—I’m chasing development.”
The next few months will be pivotal in NO Allen’s journey. If he earns a Duke offer, it could become one of the most watched recruiting sagas in the 2026 class—pitting legacy, performance, and national spotlight against one young man’s desire to create his own identity.
For now, Allen remains focused on the process.
“I’m just hooping. I’ll let everything else fall into place.”
Duke fans are watching—and perhaps quietly hoping—for history to repeat itself.