Another Big Man Joins 2025-26 Duke Basketball Roster

The Duke basketball staff has reeled in a Rice transfer for the second year in a row.
Duke basketball head coach Jon Scheyer
Duke basketball head coach Jon Scheyer | Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

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On Wednesday morning, 247Sports' Matt Zenitz first reported that former three-year Rice player Ifeanyi Ufochukwu has committed to fourth-year Duke basketball head coach Jon Scheyer and signed his financial agreement with the Blue Devils for next season.

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Ufochukwu is a 6-foot-11, 240-pound center from Nigeria who played his prep ball at Covenant Day School (N.C.) and was once a teammate to Duke basketball rising junior guard Caleb Foster in grassroots action. He redshirted last season after seeing limited minutes for the Owls as a freshman and sophomore.

Speaking of reuniting teammates, across his two seasons on the court at Rice, Ufochukwu played alongside Cameron Sheffield, who is now set to exhaust his final year of eligibility as a reserve wing for the Blue Devils after transferring to Duke last year.

Across 25 appearances between his two active seasons with the Owls, Ifeanyi Ufochukwu averaged only 2.0 points and 1.2 rebounds in 3.5 minutes per contest off the bench.

Chances are he'll be nothing more than a third-string option down low and an extra practice body for the Blue Devils next season.

He has two years of eligibility remaining.

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Stay tuned to Duke Blue Devils On SI for more Duke basketball offseason news.


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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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