Duke basketball: Jon Scheyer won’t let Wildcats lick wounds

Duke basketball fighter Jon Scheyer looks to be seeking more Wildcat blood.

After practically humiliating some seemingly overconfident Kentucky basketball recruiting efforts this week, it seems as if Duke basketball head coach-in-waiting Jon Scheyer has no intention of showing any mercy whatsoever.

First, let’s review.

On Monday, despite Kentucky fans being utterly dumbfounded about how this could happen, Scheyer pulled off a come-from-behind knockout of Wildcats head honcho John Calipari in the bout for Dereck Lively. The five-star center ranks No. 2 overall on the 247Sports 2022 Composite, and his pledge put the Duke Blue Devils in the top spot on the 247Sports 2022 Team Rankings.

Now, yet another pay-per-view-worthy prize fight appears to be brewing. However, this one is on the 2023 trail, specifically at perennial powerhouse Brewster Academy (N.H.).

According to a tweet on Wednesday from renowned recruiting insider Andrew Slater, Calipari and Scheyer are closely eyeing the same stock-soaring talent there in four-star small forward Matas Buzelis. But as Slater noted — in an entertaining fashion — a head-to-head in-person battle will have to wait:

"“No, despite attempts to put on a boxing match today in Wolfeboro, the Don King of New Hampshire [Brewster head coach Jason Smith] is going to have to send Cal & Jon to separate corners. Kentucky [is there, in part, to see Matas Buzelis] today. Duke…very soon.”"

Assessing the probable Duke basketball recruiting target

Matas Buzelis is a 6-foot-9, 180-pound “unicorn” with a 7-foot wingspan who recently jumped 10 spots to No. 23 overall on the 247Sports 2023 Composite. Last week, the 16-year-old drew the following praise from Stadium basketball analyst Jeff Goodman after another eye-popping proficient performance:

"“Buzelis was absolutely dominant today. Can score at all three levels, but what impressed me the most about him is his feel. Terrific vision, passing ability. 6-9 and only 180, but deceptive strength and is able to finish through contact.”"

Per 247Sports, both Kentucky and Duke are “interested” in Buzelis, yet neither has extended an offer. Judging from the buzz, though, it’s a safe bet that soon changes.

Also, factoring in the undeniable recruiting prowess from both of those bonafide bluebloods, it’d be no surprise if they instantly become the two frontrunners for the intriguing prospect if and when they officially enter the fray.

Meanwhile, the Blue Devils have snagged one 2023 commit in five-star point guard Caleb Foster. And they have offers on the table to three more high school juniors: five-star small forward Mackenzie Mgbako, five-star small forward JJ Taylor, and five-star power forward Greg Jackson.