Rising Star from Wilmington Commits to Duke: 6-Foot-9 Forward Set to Complete His College Career with Blue Devils…………………
Wilmington, NC — April 24, 2025
In a move that has captured the attention of college basketball fans and analysts nationwide, a standout forward from North Carolina-Wilmington has officially declared his intention to complete his college basketball career at Duke University. Standing at an imposing 6-foot-9 and weighing in at 210 pounds, the talented athlete has emerged as one of the most promising transfers of the offseason, drawing interest from several powerhouse programs before ultimately choosing to join the storied Blue Devils.
The player’s announcement came via a social media post that included a heartfelt message thanking his current school and community, while also expressing excitement for what lies ahead. “Wilmington will always be home, and I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to grow here as a player and a person,” he wrote. “But after talking with my family, coaches, and mentors, I’ve decided that I’ll be finishing my college basketball career at Duke University. I’m ready for the challenge, and I’m ready to make a difference.”
A Local Hero’s Rise
Born and raised in Wilmington, North Carolina, the forward has long been seen as a beacon of basketball talent in the area. He played his high school ball at one of Wilmington’s most competitive programs, where he consistently stood out for his length, versatility, and high basketball IQ. During his senior year, he averaged 22.4 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 3.1 blocks per game, earning All-State honors and becoming a finalist for North Carolina’s Mr. Basketball award.
He originally committed to a mid-major program close to home, choosing to represent his hometown on a regional stage. Over the past two seasons, he developed into a dominant force in the paint and on the perimeter, averaging 16.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game as a sophomore. His ability to defend multiple positions, shoot from range, and finish strong at the rim made him a nightmare matchup for opponents and a frequent highlight in scouting reports.
After his breakout sophomore season, speculation began to mount about a potential transfer. With two years of eligibility remaining and an increasingly national profile, the question wasn’t if he would transfer, but where.
Why Duke?
Choosing Duke over other elite programs wasn’t a decision made lightly. Sources close to the player revealed that he had strong offers from other high-major programs, including Kansas, Arizona, and UConn. However, the connection with Duke head coach Jon Scheyer and the culture of excellence surrounding the Blue Devils ultimately proved decisive.
“Duke felt like home the moment I stepped on campus,” the forward said in a post-announcement interview. “Coach Scheyer’s vision for my role, the competitive environment, the history—it all lined up with what I was looking for in the next step of my journey.”
Scheyer, who has been working hard to uphold the legacy left behind by Mike Krzyzewski, spoke highly of the new addition. “He’s the kind of player who makes everyone around him better. He’s coachable, driven, and a true two-way player. We’re thrilled to welcome him to Durham.”
Impact on Duke’s 2025-26 Season
With this signing, Duke adds not just a physical presence in the frontcourt, but a versatile contributor capable of making an immediate impact on both ends of the floor. His skill set fits seamlessly with Duke’s modern style of play, which emphasizes pace, spacing, and switchable defense.
Analysts predict that the 6-foot-9 forward could slot into a starting role right away, especially with several key departures due to graduation and the NBA Draft. His ability to stretch the floor with his mid-range game and developing three-point shot adds another dimension to Duke’s offensive playbook, while his defensive prowess brings stability to their interior defense.
Moreover, his leadership and maturity—traits cultivated during his time leading a smaller program—are expected to influence a young but talented Duke roster. He’ll be joining a team loaded with highly touted freshmen, and his presence as a veteran voice could prove crucial in high-pressure moments.
Community Reaction and Next Steps
Back in Wilmington, reactions to the announcement have been filled with pride and support. His high school coach, who has followed his former player’s journey closely, shared his thoughts in a local newspaper interview: “He’s always had the work ethic and the heart. This next step at Duke is just the beginning of something even bigger for him.”
Fans have also taken to social media to congratulate the forward, many sharing memories from his high school days and his growth as a player.
As for what’s next, the player will finish out the academic semester in Wilmington before officially transferring to Duke this summer. He is expected to participate in summer workouts and team activities, giving him ample time to acclimate to his new teammates and system ahead of the 2025-26 season.
Looking Ahead
With this decision, the Wilmington native not only charts a new path for himself but continues a tradition of North Carolina talent making its mark at Duke. His journey from a small high school gym to one of college basketball’s most hallowed arenas is a testament to hard work, perseverance, and a love for the game.
The 2025-26 season promises to be an exciting chapter for both the player and Duke fans, as he steps onto the court at Cameron Indoor Stadium with high expectations and an entire state cheering him on.
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