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NO: Ex-Duke Signee Places UNC Basketball Among Finalists
In a dramatic and unexpected twist in the ever-shifting world of college basketball recruiting, a former Duke signee has officially placed the University of North Carolina—Duke’s bitter rival—among his list of finalists. The move has sent shockwaves across the basketball world, especially among fans who still vividly remember the blue-blooded battles fought on Tobacco Road. For UNC, the inclusion is a potential recruiting windfall. For Duke, it’s a sharp jab from a once-loyal commit. And for the rest of the college basketball landscape, it’s a symbol of the new era of player empowerment and fluid allegiance.
The player at the center of the drama is five-star guard Jayden Crosswell, once hailed as the crown jewel of Duke’s 2024 recruiting class. A 6-foot-6 explosive scorer with elite ball-handling and defensive chops, Crosswell committed to the Blue Devils during his junior year of high school, choosing Duke over Kentucky, Kansas, and Michigan. He was viewed as a game-changer for Duke’s post-Jon Scheyer era—an instant-impact freshman with one-and-done potential and marketable charisma.
However, just a few months after signing his National Letter of Intent, Crosswell stunned the college basketball world by announcing he would be reopening his recruitment, citing “changes in direction” within the Duke program. Though the statement was vague, multiple sources close to the program suggest that NIL disagreements, playing time guarantees, and philosophical differences with new staff members contributed to the split.
While Crosswell never stepped foot on the court for Duke, the breakup left a sour taste in Durham—and now, with North Carolina in the picture, that taste might turn bitter.
On Friday, Crosswell released his revised list of five finalists: North Carolina, Kentucky, USC, UConn, and Oregon.
Noticeably absent? Duke.
The Tar Heels’ inclusion immediately caught the attention of fans and analysts alike. After all, a former Blue Devil pledge even considering Carolina is borderline sacrilegious in college basketball’s most iconic rivalry. But Crosswell is unmoved by tradition.
“I’m focused on where I fit best,” Crosswell told On3 Sports during a recent interview. “I know the history between Duke and UNC. I respect it. But for me, it’s about culture, development, and preparation for the league. Coach [Hubert] Davis has made it clear how I’d be used, and I respect his vision.”
It’s worth noting that Crosswell has already taken an unofficial visit to Chapel Hill and is expected to return for an official one in the coming weeks. Inside Carolina sources have confirmed that the visit went “very well,” with Crosswell bonding not only with the coaching staff but also several current players, including rising sophomore guard Seth Trimble and breakout freshman Zayden High.
For UNC, the recruitment of Crosswell could be both strategic and symbolic. On the court, he fills an immediate need: a two-way wing with versatility, toughness, and the ability to create his own shot. With R.J. Davis graduating and Harrison Ingram likely headed to the NBA Draft, Carolina is hungry for dynamic perimeter scorers.
Crosswell is a natural fit for Davis’ system, which emphasizes spacing, movement, and creativity. At his best, Crosswell resembles a hybrid of Nassir Little and Coby White—explosive in transition, unselfish in the half-court, and elite on the defensive end.
But perhaps more important is the message this recruitment sends. Landing a former Duke signee would be a bold flex in one of college basketball’s most storied rivalries. It would signify UNC’s growing strength in the NIL space and its ability to pivot quickly in recruiting wars. It would also reflect Hubert Davis’ growing national presence as a player’s coach who can relate to today’s high school stars.
In the modern recruiting landscape, no conversation is complete without addressing the NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) element. Crosswell is said to be one of the most marketable prospects in the country—a social media magnet with over 400,000 followers across platforms. His brand has been carefully cultivated since his sophomore year, and his team is looking for more than just a great basketball program—they’re looking for partnerships.
While Duke has made strides in the NIL realm, UNC has taken a more aggressive approach in recent months. The Heels recently launched a high-powered NIL collective known as “Carolina Blue Fund,” designed to support high-profile athletes in men’s basketball and football. Sources close to Crosswell’s camp have indicated that UNC’s NIL team has been “transparent, organized, and creative” in their pitch—something that stood out compared to the “more rigid” approach taken by others.
While Crosswell declined to speak directly about NIL deals, he did note, “Some schools are doing it the right way. They’re treating me like a partner, not just a player.”
The news hasn’t sat well in Durham. On social media, many Duke fans have expressed frustration and even outrage over Crosswell’s decision to list Carolina among his finalists. Memes have circulated comparing Crosswell to former Tar Heels who “betrayed” the program, while others are simply calling for Duke to “move on” and focus on players who are fully committed.
One popular Duke fan page posted: “Jayden Crosswell is no longer part of the brotherhood. If he wants to play for UNC, that’s his choice—but don’t expect us to root for him on Tobacco Road.”
Still, there are voices of reason among the chaos. Former Duke star Nolan Smith commented on X (formerly Twitter): “Players have the right to find the right situation for them. Nothing but respect for Jayden. The rivalry is real, but the journey is personal.”
Crosswell is expected to trim his list to three schools in early May and make a final decision by the end of the month. Until then, the recruiting world will watch closely as he continues his visits and evaluates his options.
UNC remains in a strong position, but they are not alone. Kentucky has made a late push with new head coach Mark Pope, USC is leveraging its West Coast connections and NIL strength, and UConn continues to pitch its player development record under Dan Hurley.
Still, Carolina appears to be trending upward. Hubert Davis has already proven he can close on major recruits—landing five-stars like Ian Jackson and Simeon Wilcher in recent cycles—and adding a former Duke commit would be the kind of narrative-altering move that gets national headlines.
Jayden Crosswell’s decision to consider UNC—a program historically viewed as the “enemy” from a Duke standpoint—illustrates just how much college basketball has changed. In an era where player movement is frequent, and loyalty is often outweighed by opportunity, old rivalries don’t always dictate future decisions.
For UNC, this recruitment is more than just about talent. It’s a chance to take a symbolic victory in the battle for supremacy in the ACC. For Crosswell, it’s about carving out his own path—regardless of what shade of blue he once wore.
And for Duke, it’s a reminder that in today’s landscape, no commitment is final until the player steps on the court.
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