Why Duke Missing Out on 5-Star Smith Was Gift

The Duke basketball program made a serious statement this offseason that it is adapting to the new era of college basketball.

Head coach Jon Scheyer and his staff prioritized veteran leadership and roster continuity over bringing in the next wave of elite freshman talent, which has been the Duke program’s primary recruiting approach over the last decade or so.

Mar 27, 2026; Washington, DC, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer reacts in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the East Regional of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images | Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Now, Duke is still bringing in the No. 1 overall 2026 recruiting class, but the difference this year is that these incoming rookie pieces will be more complementary than focal points of the offense.

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Scheyer is one of the best recruiters in the sport, and typically gets who he wants. However, there was one 5-star target in the 2026 recruiting cycle that Duke was heavily invested in and eventually missed out on.

Jordan Smith reacts with excitement after securing a win for the championship. Paul VI Catholic High School (Chantilly, VA) defeated Archbishop Stepinac High School (White Plains, NY) to win the 2025 City of Palms Classic Basketball Championship Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025 at Suncoast Arena in Fort Myers. Paul VI won with a final score of 57-53. | Ricardo Rolon / USA TODAY NETWORK-FLORIDA / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Duke Missed Out on 5-Star Guard Jordan Smith Jr.

For several months, Duke was considered the clear frontrunner to land 5-star guard Jordan Smith Jr., the No. 3 overall player in the 2026 recruiting class, according to the 247Sports Composite Rankings.

Smith took an official visit to Countdown to Craziness, along with current Duke 5-star signee Cameron Williams, and shortly after the visit, the 6’2″ prospect received a crystal ball prediction to land with the Blue Devils.

Mar 31, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Cameron Williams (1)…

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Publish date : 2026-05-06 15:00:00

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