Duke men’s basketball head coach Jon Scheyer took a front-row seat at an NCAA evaluation event, his eyes locked on Jordan Smith, the No. 10-ranked prospect in the class of 2026. The courtside sighting hints at Duke’s early pursuit of one of the nation’s brightest young stars.
Scheyer, who has built a reputation as a master recruiter since stepping into the head coaching role, is not wasting time as he looks to shape the Blue Devils’ future. With his knack for landing top talent, this moment could be the first step toward bringing Smith to Durham.
Jon Scheyer Eyes Future Blue Devil Talent at NCAA Evaluation Event
Since taking the reins from Mike Krzyzewski in 2022, Scheyer has kept Duke basketball among the elite. His first year as head coach saw him reel in the No. 1-ranked freshman class, featuring standouts like Dereck Lively II and Dariq Whitehead, who drew attention before heading to the NBA.
Duke head coach Jon Scheyer is courtside on Saturday morning watching top-10 prospect Jordan Smith.https://t.co/6xigl0upPb pic.twitter.com/LlpirDceqF
— Jamie Shaw (@JamieShaw5) May 17, 2025
He has consistently brought in high-caliber players, helping Duke stay atop the ACC and make noise in March Madness. His track record speaks volumes: multiple conference titles and deep tournament runs have become the norm under his watch.
What sets Scheyer apart is his recruiting style. He targets players who bring more than just talent, focusing on versatility, grit, and a team-first mentality. It’s a formula, which has been working for him.
The five-star shooting guard from Paul VI Catholic High School in Fairfax, Virginia, has already made a mark at just 16 years old. At 6’6” with a frame that’s still filling out, Smith has the tools to dominate. He can score inside, hit jumpers, and stretch the floor with his three-point shooting.
Coupled with his ability to lock down opponents on defense, he is a complete player calling attention nationwide.
As a freshman, Smith averaged 18 points, five rebounds, and three assists while leading Paul VI to a state title. His play in AAU tournaments and national events has only increased the hype. Still early in his high school career, Smith’s ceiling is sky-high.
If he keeps trending upward, he could be a game-changer at the college level, of course, Scheyer knows it.
Scheyer’s Pursuit of Smith Signals Duke’s Long-Term Ambitions
These events aren’t open to the public, but word travels fast, and Scheyer’s attendance confirms Duke is in the mix for one of 2026’s best. If Jordan Smith ends up at Duke, it could be a defining moment for the program. His all-around game fits Scheyer’s vision of a fast, adaptable team that can compete with the program.
Pairing him with other top recruits could give Duke a roster capable of dominating the ACC and making a serious run at a national title.
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But it’s not just about on-court impact. Landing a top-10 prospect would reinforce Scheyer’s status as a recruiting heavyweight, sending a message to other elite players that Duke is the place to be.
For now, it’s about watching how this plays out. May 17 might just be the day Duke fans look back on as the start of something special in the world of basketball.
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