Blue Devil Country

Duke Basketball Explores Recruiting Pipeline School Once Again

The Duke basketball coaches are now eyeing yet another Paul VI Catholic five-star.

Matt Giles

Duke basketball head coach Jon Scheyer
Duke basketball head coach Jon Scheyer / Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
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Paul VI Catholic (Va.) rising junior Jordan Smith Jr.'s phone and offer sheet are blowing up. On Saturday, the first day that college coaches are allowed to contact 2026 prospects directly via calls, texts, and direct messages, the 6-foot-3, 175-pound guard has heard from the Duke basketball staff and others while adding a handful of big-name offers.

His new official suitors — Kansas, Tennessee, Louisville, Ohio State, and Oregon — don't include Jon Scheyer and his Blue Devils just yet. But that may soon change.

After all, Duke has been wildly successful when it comes to reeling in top-notch talents at powerhouse Paul VI Catholic. Two of Smith's Panther teammates this past season are heading to Durham as freshmen this summer in five-star center Patrick Ngongba II and four-star wing Darren Harris. Plus, recent Paul VI Blue Devils include former five-star guards Jeremy Roach and Trevor Keels.

As for Smith, a five-star sitting at No. 12 overall on the 247 Sports 2026 Composite, his energetic game seems to fit the mold of what third-year Duke basketball head coach Jon Scheyer has been prioritizing of late.

ALSO READ: Paolo Banchero Assesses First 2024-25 Blue Devil Pick-Up Action

Here's what 247Sports' Brandon Jenkins wrote after recently scouting Jordan Smith Jr. in Nike EYBL play:

"[Smith] separates himself with his motor and intensity as he seeks out stops on the defensive end and is a fearless attacker offensively. Smith is a great athlete who is bound to leave his mark on a game because of how he refuses to take possessions lightly."

Thus far, no 2026 prospects have reported an offer from the blueblood recruiters in Durham.

ALSO READ: Newly Minted Five-Star Recruit Poses With Duke Rookie Cooper Flagg

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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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