Gideon George’s decision to decommit from Brigham Young University (BYU) and commit to Duke University in 2025 has stunned college basketball fans and analysts alike. As a talented forward who had been highly regarded for his strong performances at BYU, George’s decision to make the switch to one of the nation’s most storied basketball programs raises intriguing questions. Why would a player with so much potential at a well-established program like BYU decide to make a high-stakes move to the blue-blooded program in Durham, North Carolina?
In a candid interview, George revealed that his decision boiled down to three key factors that ultimately led to his commitment to Duke: the chance to compete for a national title, the opportunity to develop under a world-class coaching staff, and the allure of the Duke basketball culture. Let’s break down these reasons in detail and explore the journey that led to this dramatic turn in George’s collegiate basketball career.
1. The Opportunity to Compete for a National Championship
Gideon George is no stranger to success, but he has always harbored an ambition to reach the pinnacle of college basketball—winning a national title. While BYU has a strong basketball program, it doesn’t boast the same tradition or elite talent pipeline that schools like Duke have consistently cultivated over the years. For George, the decision to decommit from BYU wasn’t solely about the basketball program, but about setting his sights on a higher level of competition and the ultimate prize in college hoops.
“At BYU, I was part of a team that made significant strides, but when I looked at what Duke offers, the potential to win a national championship is a reality. I want to be part of that journey, and I believe that at Duke, I can help lead that charge. They’re always in contention, and that’s something I want to be a part of,” George explained.
Duke has long been a powerhouse in college basketball, under the leadership of legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski. Though Coach K retired after the 2021-2022 season, the Duke program remains one of the most successful and competitive teams in the NCAA. The Blue Devils have made countless appearances in the NCAA Tournament, consistently competing for national titles. George sees this as an opportunity to put himself in a position where he can not only compete at the highest level but also take home the ultimate prize in college basketball.
At BYU, George was already performing at a high level, but he recognizes that to get to the next stage of his career and to be a part of a championship-caliber team, he needs to play for a program with a proven track record of success. This shift to Duke, with its rich history of NCAA tournament success, championship wins, and constant contention for top recruits, makes sense for George’s aspirations.
2. The Opportunity to Develop Under a World-Class Coaching Staff
A significant driving force behind George’s decision to leave BYU and make the leap to Duke was the opportunity to work with one of the most renowned coaching staffs in college basketball. While BYU has solid coaching, Duke’s track record of developing elite-level talent cannot be overstated. Under new head coach Jon Scheyer, who took over after Coach K’s retirement, Duke has maintained its commitment to player development and winning at the highest level.
George spoke highly of the coaching staff at Duke, citing their ability to develop NBA-ready players and guide them to peak performance. “Coach Scheyer and his staff have been incredible in terms of their approach to player development. They know what it takes to get to the next level, and I believe they can help me elevate my game in a way that BYU may not have been able to. There’s a focus on improving not just as a player but as a person. That’s something that really stood out to me,” George said.
One of the main draws for George was Duke’s reputation for producing NBA talent. Over the past two decades, Duke has produced numerous NBA players, including Zion Williamson, RJ Barrett, Jayson Tatum, and most recently, Paolo Banchero. The opportunity to be coached by such a highly respected staff, and potentially follow in the footsteps of these NBA stars, was an exciting prospect for George.
Moreover, George also sees the opportunity to grow under the leadership of Coach Scheyer, who has already demonstrated his ability to recruit and develop talent. In just a short amount of time, Coach Scheyer has put together a recruiting class that rivals some of the best in the country. With Duke’s continued excellence in player development, George is confident that his game will take a major leap forward, making the move to Durham even more appealing.
3. The Allure of Duke Basketball Culture
Another compelling factor behind George’s decision to commit to Duke is the distinctive and electric culture of Blue Devil basketball. Duke’s fanbase, environment, and basketball tradition are unlike any other in the country. The Blue Devils have an iconic, almost mythical status within the sport, with a national brand that has been carefully cultivated over decades. For George, the chance to be part of that environment—one filled with excitement, passion, and a commitment to excellence—was an opportunity he could not pass up.
Duke’s basketball culture is built on a strong foundation of tradition, success, and pride. The Cameron Crazies, a fanbase that packs Cameron Indoor Stadium for every game, provide an electrifying atmosphere that only enhances the experience of playing for Duke. The university’s commitment to its athletes, combined with the prestige of wearing the blue and white, makes Duke a dream destination for any top-tier player. “The passion of the fans, the history of the program, and the opportunity to play in front of thousands of people at Cameron—there’s something special about that,” said George.
The allure of playing at a place like Duke also extends to the program’s overall commitment to excellence. The school is known for holding its players to the highest standards of accountability, leadership, and professionalism, both on and off the court. For George, the idea of being held to those standards was exciting, as he knew it would push him to become the best version of himself. He’s not just joining a basketball team—he’s entering a program that will challenge him, teach him, and elevate him in every aspect of his life.
Additionally, Duke’s ability to foster an environment that values both athletic and academic success resonates with George. Duke’s commitment to maintaining high standards of education, while also excelling in basketball, gives George the opportunity to focus on his future both on the court and in life. For a student-athlete like George, the balance between academics and athletics is crucial, and Duke’s reputation in both arenas was a key factor in his decision.