Justin Stands 8.5-Foot-Tall, No.1 Top Player in America, Gives Reasons for Choosing Duke Blue Devils Basketball Team
Justin Hale towers above the basketball world in more ways than one. At an unprecedented 8.5 feet tall, Hale is not just the tallest player to ever dominate a high school court — he’s a once-in-a-generation phenomenon. His wingspan, shot-blocking ability, finesse, and surprisingly agile movement for his height have made him the undisputed No. 1 high school basketball player in the country. Every elite program wanted him. Kentucky courted him with relentless energy. Kansas rolled out a red carpet. North Carolina pitched legacy and tradition. But in the end, it was Duke University that earned Justin Hale’s commitment — and now the basketball world is buzzing.
When Hale announced his decision via a televised special and accompanying statement on social media, fans, analysts, and college coaches alike were stunned. Many expected a blueblood, but few expected the Blue Devils. Not because Duke wasn’t worthy, but because their recent recruitment track record hadn’t matched that of other powerhouses. Yet Hale’s commitment has instantly changed the narrative. The question everyone wants answered is simple: why Duke?
Hale has always marched to the beat of his own drum. A quiet but confident teenager from suburban Illinois, he has shunned the limelight that his record-breaking height and skills inevitably brought. With media appearances limited and his social media presence minimal, speculation often filled the void. But after committing to Duke, Hale opened up in a rare, in-depth interview about what led to his decision — and what he hopes to accomplish in Durham.
According to Hale, the choice was about more than basketball. “People see my height, they see the highlights, they see the rankings. But I’m more than that. I wanted a place that saw me as more than that too,” he said. “When I visited Duke, I felt like they weren’t just recruiting my frame or my stats. They wanted the full version of me — as a person, as a student, and yeah, as a basketball player too.”
Hale was impressed by Duke’s holistic approach to recruitment. He said the coaching staff focused not just on how he could help them win games, but on how the university could help him grow in all aspects of life. “Coach Scheyer sat me down and didn’t just talk about systems or NBA draft boards,” Hale recalled. “He talked about books, leadership, accountability, character. He didn’t promise me anything except an opportunity to earn everything.”
That emphasis on personal development resonated with Hale and his family. A standout student with a 4.0 GPA, Hale had always prioritized academics as much as athletics. His mother, a high school teacher, and his father, a mechanical engineer, instilled in him a love for learning early on. “They always told me the game might end, but your mind won’t,” Hale said. “At Duke, I knew I could challenge myself in the classroom and on the court.”
The academic prestige of Duke played a major role in his final decision, particularly the chance to study in its renowned engineering program. Hale, who has long been fascinated by biomechanics and prosthetic technology, said he hopes to one day design athletic gear for players of all sizes, including those like himself whose bodies fall far outside the norm.
“I know what it’s like to struggle finding shoes that fit, braces that work, chairs that are comfortable. I’ve lived that my whole life,” he said. “One day, I want to help others like me. And Duke gives me a real shot to explore that dream.”
Still, basketball remained a critical factor in the equation. As a generational talent who averaged 38 points, 22 rebounds, and 11 blocks per game during his senior year, Hale has long been projected as a one-and-done college player destined for the top of the NBA Draft. With scouts comparing him to a hybrid of Yao Ming and Victor Wembanyama, his every move on the court is scrutinized. Yet, his decision to choose Duke was partly driven by a desire to refine his game, not rush it.
“There’s no doubt I want to play in the NBA, and I believe I’ll get there,” Hale said. “But I want to go there ready — not just hyped. Coach Scheyer and the Duke staff convinced me they can help make me complete. Not just a shot-blocker. Not just a post scorer. A real pro.”
Duke’s recent reputation for developing versatile big men was a draw for Hale, as was the program’s NBA track record. With alumni like Zion Williamson, Paolo Banchero, and Jayson Tatum thriving at the next level, Hale saw a proven pathway to professional success. He cited the flexibility of Duke’s offensive schemes and the emphasis on teaching fundamentals as major points in the school’s favor.
Beyond the court and the classroom, Hale was drawn to the community atmosphere of Duke. During his official visit, he was struck by how connected the players, coaches, and students seemed. “It didn’t feel fake,” he said. “There’s a brotherhood here that you feel the second you step on campus.”
He also recalled walking around the Duke Gardens with members of the current team and being greeted by students who knew his name — not because he was famous, but because they had done their homework. “One guy came up and asked about my science fair project from eighth grade,” Hale said with a laugh. “I mean, who does that? But it was cool. They made me feel like I belonged.”
In the era of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness), Hale is expected to become one of the most marketable college athletes in history. Shoe companies have reportedly already reached out with seven-figure endorsement packages. While Hale declined to discuss specific deals, he confirmed that Duke’s strong legal and business support systems were another part of his decision.
“NIL is real. But it’s not everything. What mattered to me was being in a place that understands how to manage it the right way,” he said. “Duke has the structure to help me make smart choices, not just fast money.”
And then there’s the legacy aspect. While Duke has had its share of stars, never has the program featured someone quite like Justin Hale. His combination of size, skill, and intelligence is unique in every way. Hale acknowledged the opportunity to leave his mark on one of the most storied programs in college basketball history played a role in his choice.
“Coach K built something special. Coach Scheyer is taking it to a new level,” he said. “I want to be a part of that chapter. I want to win titles, sure. But more than that, I want to build something that lasts — a standard for how big men play, lead, and think.”
The future is undeniably bright for both Hale and Duke. Already, the announcement of his commitment has caused a ripple effect across recruiting circles. Other top recruits have begun scheduling visits to Durham. Analysts have moved Duke to the top of the 2025 recruiting class rankings. And NBA executives are circling, eager to see what the 8.5-foot-tall prodigy will look like in ACC competition.
Despite the growing attention, Hale remains grounded. “I know people are watching. I know expectations are crazy. But I didn’t pick Duke to hide from that,” he said. “I picked Duke because it gives me the best chance to meet — and beat — those expectations.”
For Duke fans, Hale’s decision represents more than just landing the top recruit. It’s a signal that the Blue Devils are still a destination for greatness. For basketball purists, it’s a chance to witness a player who may redefine the sport itself. And for Justin Hale, it’s the beginning of a journey — not just to the NBA, but to becoming the kind of man, leader, and innovator he envisions.
Whatever happens next, one thing is clear: Justin Hale has chosen his path with thought, care, and purpose. And he believes Duke is where his giant leap will begin.
