Blue Devil Country

Talent at Duke Basketball Pipeline School Sounds High on Blue Devils

Prime Duke basketball target Jordan Smith Jr. is not rushing his recruitment.
Matt Giles|
Duke basketball head coach Jon Scheyer
Duke basketball head coach Jon Scheyer | Zachary Taft-Imagn Images

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Roughly two months ago, five-star guard Jordan Smith Jr. arrived in Durham to check out the Duke basketball program in person. Considering the 6-foot-2, 200-pound junior attends Paul VI Catholic High School (Va.), which has produced four Blue Devils this decade, it's no surprise he felt comfortable on his visit.

ALSO READ: Duke Pro Gives Championship Advice to 2024-25 Blue Devils

After all, the 2024-25 Duke basketball roster includes two of his former teammates in freshmen Darren Harris and Patrick Ngongba II.

"That was a great visit, seeing my guys, Darren and Pat, seeing them get up and down in practice," Smith explained to ZAGSBLOG's Charlie Parent after tallying 18 points, five rebounds, and three assists in Paul VI Catholic's 72-55 win over Christ the King High School (N.Y.) at the Jordan Holiday Classic in New York City on Friday. "Overall, [the Duke coaches] just told me I can come in there and be impactful like everyone else.

"But [they said] I can just be different. I can just be different than anybody who's gone there, come in and impact in many different ways."

Smith, who ranks No. 7 overall on the 247Sports 2026 Composite and is one of only three prospects in the cycle who have reported an offer from third-year Duke basketball head coach Jon Scheyer, has also visited Syracuse. And his father informed Parent that the coveted prep plans to tour Arkansas in the spring.

Plus, Jordan Smith Jr. noted that he wants to visit defending back-to-back national champion UConn at some point.

For now, though, the uptempo sensation said he's in no hurry to pick a winner. Judging by his chat with Parent, he probably won't eliminate any suitors from contention until after Peach Jam in July.

ALSO READ: Blue Devils Now Have Four Projected First-Round Draft Picks

Stay tuned to Duke Blue Devils On SI for more Duke basketball recruiting 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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