Jon Scheyer is poised to land another elite recruiting class for Duke in 2025, continuing the Blue Devils' dominance on the recruiting trail. After bringing in the #1 class in 2024, Scheyer and his staff are focusing on assembling a historic group in 2025, with several top-ranked prospects already on their radar.
The key names that stand out are PG Acaden Lewis, the Boozer twins (Cameron and Cayden), PF Nate Ament, SF Shelton Henderson, wing Dwayne Aristide, and SF Nick Khamenia.
Duke could secure its first significant recruit of the season—the highly coveted Boozer brothers—who are set to announce their college decisions. While I have no inside knowledge and have been wrong before, I feel confident in predicting Duke as their choice. The Blue Devils seem to be in a solid position to land this dynamic duo.
Acaden Lewis: Duke's Next Elite Floor General?
Duke's recruitment efforts are zeroing in on one of the top prospects in the 2025 class, point guard Acaden Lewis. A dynamic playmaker, Lewis has quickly ascended the ranks as one of the nation's premier guards. He is renowned for his elite court vision, lightning-fast decision-making, and ability to score from anywhere. His visit during the countdown to craziness will help shape the outcome of his recruitment to Duke.
Head coach Jon Scheyer sees Lewis as a perfect fit for Duke's fast-paced offense, where his leadership and basketball IQ would allow him to thrive as the team's floor general. His potential to orchestrate Duke's offense makes him an ideal centerpiece for their 2025 recruiting class. However, Duke faces stiff competition from powerhouse programs Kentucky and UConn, both of whom are in solid positions to secure his commitment. The race for Lewis may be one of Duke's toughest recruiting battles yet.
The Boozer Twins: A Dynamic Duo
As previously noted, Cameron and Cayden Boozer, two of the most highly sought-after prospects in high school basketball, are set to commit soon. Widely regarded as the top duo in the nation, the Boozer twins have a remarkable track record of success, winning championships at every level, including the EYBL 15U, 16U, and 17U circuits. Their combined talent has the potential to elevate any program, and Duke is considered a leading contender for their commitment.
Cameron is dominant in the paint, combining exceptional size, agility, and a polished offensive game. Cayden complements him with his versatility, court vision, and defensive prowess. Securing the Boozer twins would provide Duke with a formidable inside-outside pairing, positioning the program for success in the coming years.
Nate Ament: Stretch Four with Elite Potential
Nate Ament is another standout target for the Blue Devils. The 6'9" forward has the modern-day skills to stretch the floor with his shooting and playmaking, combined with excellent mobility and rebounding. Ament's ability to play inside and outside gives Scheyer flexibility in utilizing him within Duke's offense. His defensive versatility makes him a prime candidate to fit into Duke's switching schemes, where he can guard multiple positions. Adding Ament to the 2025 class would give the Blue Devils a forward with significant upside who can complement a guard-heavy lineup or a player who can play with another big with a similar skill set.
Shelton Henderson: Duke's Next Swiss Army Knife
Standing 6'7", Shelton Henderson has all the tools to become a standout wing for the Blue Devils. His combination of length, athleticism, defense, and shot-making makes him one of the most versatile players in his class. Henderson first made a name for himself with JL3 Elite, where he displayed an impressive all-around game that caught the attention of the Duke coaching staff. It's likely that assistant coach Jai Lucas, son of the legendary John Lucas who founded JL3 Elite, has focused on Henderson's development for some time.
Henderson has an offer from Duke and recently visited the campus, taking in the Countdown to Craziness event. His game draws comparisons to Wendell Moore, though with a more polished offensive skill set. While his shooting consistency needs some refinement, it's currently the only glaring weakness in his game. On defense, his length allows him to guard multiple positions, a key component of Duke's recent success.
If head coach Jon Scheyer can land Henderson, he'll gain a player who can influence the game on both ends of the floor—an invaluable asset for the Blue Devils.
Dwayne Aristode and Nick Khamenia: Wing Depth and Offensive Firepower
Duke's two key prospects are wing Dwayne Aristode and small forward Nick Khamenia. Aristode is an elite shooter who thrives in tight spaces and is often described as "wired to score." With a lightning-quick release, he doesn't need much room to get his shot off. (pause) A dynamic athlete, Aristide uses his ball-handling to create space and elevate over defenders for scoring opportunities. His sturdy frame lets him absorb contact and finish efficiently around the basket. Originally from the Netherlands, Aristode came to the U.S. to pursue better opportunities, enrolling at Brewster Academy, where he has thrived. At 6'8", Aristode's elite scoring ability would be a valuable addition for Duke, especially considering several scoring wings' potential departure after this season.
Nick Khamenia is another intriguing prospect—a versatile small forward with a winner's mentality. Khamenia is a highly skilled offensive player who brings a rugged, physical style of play. Known for his toughness, he punishes defenders with his aggressive approach. He led his BTI team to a championship in the highly competitive 17U Pro16 circuit, showcasing his ability to perform at a high level against top talent. Khamenia has drawn comparisons to a smoother Kyle Singler, combining skill and grit. Duke will face stiff competition for his commitment, with West Coast powerhouses like UCLA and Gonzaga heavily in the mix. UCLA, in particular, has the advantage of proximity, as Khamenia attends Harvard-Westlake in California.
Potential outcome
I believe Duke makes out with at least 4/7 of the recruits mentioned in this article. If that is to happen, expect another #1 class for the baby Goat Jon Scheyer and staff oly adding to the assertion that he is the best recruiter in college basketball.
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