Blue Devil Country

Premier Tennessee Prep Says Duke Basketball Is One 'Dream School'

A top-25 rising sophomore from Nashville likes the Duke basketball program and models some of his game after an NBA Blue Devil.

Matt Giles

Duke basketball head coach Jon Scheyer
Duke basketball head coach Jon Scheyer / Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
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Third-year Duke basketball head coach Jon Scheyer hasn't shown much interest in the 2027 class thus far. It's still extremely early in that cycle, of course. But whenever Scheyer does begin officially targeting prospects among the nation's current rising high school sophomores, The Ensworth School (Tenn.) forward Malachi Jordan might be a name to watch.

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After all, the 6-foot-5, 180-pound Jordan ranks No. 22 overall and No. 1 among Tennessee talents on the 2027 ESPN 25.

And when Pro Insight recently asked him if he had dream schools growing up, he didn't hesitate in listing Duke first.

"Definitely Duke," Jordan said. "Or Kentucky, one of the bluebloods for sure: Kansas, Duke, Kentucky, one of those. Arkansas now because [John Calipari] is there. Tennessee. A lot of those high-major, power-five schools."

Although Jordan told Pro Insight his favorite NBA player to study is former Kentucky one-and-done guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, he also noted a few things he's picked up by watching former Duke one-and-done forward Jayson Tatum.

"I work on his moves a lot," he explained about Tatum. "Step-backs. I copy his shot."

Malachi Jordan already boasts offers from Tennessee, Arizona State, and Texas Tech, per 247Sports. And as 247Sports' Eric Bossi suggested after scouting him again last week at the Crossroads Elite Invitational Camp in Kansas City, Kan., Jordan has the potential to boost his stock considerably by summer's end:

"A well put-together 6-foot-5 wing from Nashville (Tenn.) Ensworth, we had just been able to watch Jordan with MoKan Elite's 15U squad the weekend before and he is a very intriguing prospect. He's already got some strength but still has plenty of room to fill out his frame and he's a plus athlete who can elevate in traffic and finish jams through contact. The jump shot looks very workable and he's already got some ability to create off the dribble."

Again, 2027 recruiting battles are in their infancy, and Duke basketball hasn't entered. But it's worth pointing out that Malachi Jordan is one of several heralded recruits in the class who have mentioned being a fan of the Blue Devils.

RELATED: Top 2027 North Carolina Prospect Says He Wants to Play for Duke

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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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