The transfer portal continues to shake up the college basketball landscape, and few programs have navigated its chaotic waters better than Duke. Under head coach Jon Scheyer, the Blue Devils have embraced the modern era of roster building — blending elite high school recruits with carefully selected transfers who bring college experience, toughness, and depth. Now, as the offseason heats up and portal commitments begin to trickle in, Duke finds itself firmly in the mix for one of the most coveted names still available: the top uncommitted point guard in the transfer portal.
Sources close to the recruitment process confirm that Duke is one of several powerhouse programs pursuing the veteran floor general, whose name has become synonymous with poise, playmaking, and high-level production over the last two seasons. While many portal entries are speculative or opportunistic, this particular point guard brings proven value — the kind that can elevate a contender to a championship-level team. With multiple schools in hot pursuit, the race is far from over, but Duke’s early positioning speaks volumes about its intention to compete at the very highest level in the 2025-26 season.
The player in question — whose name is being withheld until his formal list of finalists is released — averaged 16.3 points, 6.9 assists, and 4.4 rebounds last season while shooting better than 48% from the field and 39% from three-point range. His combination of scoring efficiency, court vision, and leadership made him one of the breakout stars of the year, and his decision to enter the portal was met with immediate interest from more than a dozen programs, including the likes of Kansas, Arizona, UConn, and Miami. But it’s Duke that has emerged as a particularly intriguing option, and insiders believe the Blue Devils are making a strong impression.
One source familiar with the situation noted that Duke’s pitch has been focused on more than just basketball. The staff, led by Scheyer and assistant coach Chris Carrawell, has emphasized development, exposure, and the program’s storied legacy of producing NBA-caliber guards. From Tyus Jones and Tre Jones to Kyrie Irving and Jason Williams, Duke has long been a launching pad for elite point guard talent, and the message is clear: step onto the court at Cameron Indoor Stadium, and you’re playing on the biggest stage in college basketball.
What makes this recruitment particularly compelling is how it fits into Duke’s evolving roster needs. With standout freshman Tyrese Proctor expected to enter the NBA Draft and Jeremy Roach having completed his eligibility, the Blue Devils are in the market for a floor general who can anchor the offense, defend at a high level, and lead both on and off the court. While Duke’s incoming class is stacked with five-star talent, including combo guard Dylan Harper, the staff understands the value of having an experienced player at the helm — someone who won’t be overwhelmed by the moment and can make the game easier for those around him.
That’s exactly what the top uncommitted point guard offers. At 6-foot-3 and 190 pounds, he brings a combination of strength, agility, and court awareness that allows him to thrive in both transition and half-court settings. He’s a pick-and-roll maestro, capable of dissecting defenses with either hand, and he has the ability to knock down shots from deep when defenders go under screens. Perhaps most importantly, he’s a willing and engaged defender who takes pride in disrupting opposing backcourts — a trait that aligns perfectly with Scheyer’s defensive philosophy.
The Blue Devils’ interest didn’t materialize overnight. According to those close to the situation, Duke began monitoring the point guard well before he officially entered the portal. During the season, the coaching staff made note of his performances in key games, evaluating his decision-making, leadership, and impact in clutch moments. Once he entered the portal in late March, the Blue Devils wasted no time initiating contact. Since then, multiple Zoom calls, film breakdowns, and in-depth conversations have taken place between the player, his family, and Duke’s staff.
The recruitment process is far from over, and several other schools are still firmly in the hunt. Kansas, for instance, offers a chance to play under Bill Self and compete in the Big 12 — a conference known for its physicality and high-intensity battles. Arizona is making a strong case as well, particularly given their recent track record of point guard development and offensive fluidity. UConn, the reigning national champion, has also expressed serious interest, hoping to add another veteran piece to their championship core. But Duke’s combination of tradition, coaching stability, and an opportunity to compete for a national title in front of one of the most passionate fan bases in the country is hard to ignore.
Adding fuel to the speculation is the growing buzz around Duke’s potential roster for next season. With Cooper Flagg announcing his return to Durham, the Blue Devils are suddenly positioned as a top-three team in the country heading into the summer. Flagg’s presence alone would elevate any roster, but when paired with returning starters like Caleb Foster and sharpshooter Jared McCain, the foundation is already strong. Add in a top transfer point guard and a top-five recruiting class, and it’s easy to see why Duke is being viewed as a legitimate title contender.
For the player himself, the decision will ultimately come down to fit. While NIL opportunities and exposure are important — and will no doubt factor into the final choice — those close to him say his priority is winning. He wants to play for a program that has the pieces to go all the way and a coaching staff that can help him take the final step in his development before declaring for the 2026 NBA Draft. Duke checks both boxes. With the resources, talent, and history to back it up, the Blue Devils can offer a platform few schools can match.
Scheyer’s ability to manage egos, build chemistry, and empower players has earned him praise across the basketball world, and his work in the portal has been particularly impressive. Last season, he successfully integrated transfers like Ryan Young and Jaden Schutt into his system, demonstrating a willingness to adapt and maximize individual strengths. The message to potential transfers is clear: come to Duke, and you’ll be given the tools and trust to succeed.
Recruiting at this level is always a balancing act. Bring in too many transfers, and you risk disrupting the development of young stars. Rely too heavily on freshmen, and you may lack the experience to close games in March. Scheyer appears to be threading that needle perfectly — building a roster that blends youth and experience, star power and role players. Adding the top uncommitted point guard in the portal would be the final piece of the puzzle.
For now, the recruitment continues behind closed doors. The player is expected to narrow his list of finalists within the next two weeks and take a series of official visits before making a final decision by early May. Until then, speculation will continue to swirl, but one thing is clear: Duke is in the thick of it.
As the portal era continues to reshape the dynamics of college basketball, Duke is proving once again that it remains a destination program. The lure of Cameron Indoor, the brotherhood, and the chance to compete for banners still carries immense weight. If the Blue Devils are able to land this particular transfer — a battle-tested, high-IQ point guard who can take over games without dominating the ball — it could be the move that turns a great team into a special one.
And in a sport where the margins between a Sweet 16 and a Final Four are razor-thin, that one addition might just be the difference.