Top-Ranked Wing Hears From Duke Basketball Recruiting Team Directly

Caleb Holt is now a well-established name on the 2026 Duke basketball radar.
Duke basketball head coach Jon Scheyer
Duke basketball head coach Jon Scheyer / Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
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Last week, Duke basketball coaches watched Buckhorn High School (Ala.) five-star Caleb Holt shine at the NBPA Top 100 Camp in Florida. The Blue Devils have expressed interest in the 6-foot-5, 200-pound forward since last summer.

ALSO READ: Five-Star Point Guard Dylan Mingo Attracts Blue Devil Recruiters

So, it was a safe bet that the recruiters in Durham would reach out to Holt within the first few days of college coaches being allowed to initiate contact with 2026 preps. Indeed, they did, the 16-year-old phenom, a chiseled talent with explosive athleticism and a deep toolbox on the court, told the "Blue Devils" social media account on Monday.

Also on Monday, Holt landed among the 19 finalists for the 12-man USA Basketball U17 National Team that will head to Istanbul later this month to compete in the 2024 FIBA U17 World Cup, June 29-July 7.

Holt, an aggressive bucket-getter and lockdown defender who became Mr. Basketball in Alabama as a mere sophomore at Buckhorn this past season, ranks No. 1 among small forwards and No. 3 overall on the 247Sports 2026 Composite. He already boasts well over a dozen offers, and a few more have poured in this week alone.

His list of suitors, highlighted by the likes of Kansas and Tennessee, does not include the Duke basketball program.

But that's true for every 2026 recruit, as Blue Devil head coach Jon Scheyer and his crew have yet to officially enter any battles in the cycle.

ALSO READ: Duke Coaches Reach Out to Top Oklahoma Prospect Jalen Montonati


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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.