Duke Closing in on 5-Star Shooting Guard? Tar Heel Fans Won’t Like This One Bit
The college basketball recruiting scene is heating up once again, and one of the fiercest rivalries in all of sports—Duke vs. North Carolina—is taking center stage. According to multiple recruiting insiders, Duke is closing in on landing a commitment from a coveted 5-star shooting guard, and the news is sure to rattle Tar Heel Nation.
The player in question, widely regarded as one of the top shooting guards in the 2025 class, has been on the radar of nearly every major basketball program in the country. At 6-foot-5 with elite scoring ability, a smooth shooting stroke, and tenacious defense, he fits the mold of a future NBA lottery pick. While North Carolina was initially thought to be a serious contender in his recruitment, recent reports suggest Duke has surged ahead and may be in position to secure his commitment in the coming weeks.
Duke head coach Jon Scheyer has been relentless on the recruiting trail, proving he can uphold the program’s elite standards in the post-Coach K era. If this recruitment goes as projected, it would mark another major win for Scheyer and the Blue Devils, who continue to build a roster loaded with top-tier talent.
What makes this news even more painful for Tar Heel fans is that the 5-star guard had taken an official visit to Chapel Hill and even spoke glowingly of the program in past interviews. At one point, UNC appeared to be the frontrunner, with insiders predicting a commitment could come shortly after his visit. However, Duke’s persistence, combined with the player’s growing connection to the Blue Devils’ coaching staff and current players, appears to have shifted the momentum.
This potential recruiting coup would only add fuel to one of college basketball’s most passionate and historic rivalries. Duke and North Carolina have long battled not only on the court but in living rooms and gyms across the country, fighting for the top talent in the nation. Every win on the recruiting trail feels like a loss for the other side, and this situation is no different.
For North Carolina, missing out on a player of this caliber—especially to their most bitter rival—would be a tough pill to swallow. Hubert Davis and his staff have done an admirable job recruiting in recent years, but this potential loss underscores the challenge of staying ahead in the competitive world of high-stakes college basketball.
Of course, nothing is official until a player signs on the dotted line, and the recruitment isn’t over yet. However, with Duke seemingly in the driver’s seat, Tar Heel fans may need to brace themselves for an unwelcome announcement.
Stay tuned—this recruiting battle could be nearing its dramatic conclusion, and if Duke gets their man, it could have major implications for the balance of power in ACC basketball for years to come.
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