Duke basketball prioritizing frontcourt prospects in 2025
By Pablo Cong
The Duke basketball recruiting philosophy in 2025 appears abundantly clear.
The 2025 recruiting class is teeming with frontcourt talent, and it promises to bring a substantial impact to the collegiate basketball scene, specifically to the Duke basketball program.
Among the numerous budding prospects, the Blue Devils have eagerly identified a select group of players whom they believe can contribute significantly to their program.
The top priority in the 2025 class is the No. 1 player, Cameron Boozer.
He is a versatile and dynamic forward who has drawn comparisons to former Duke forward Paolo Banchero. Boozer’s exceptional ball-handling skills, high basketball IQ, speed, and power make him a formidable presence on the court.
Standing at 6-foot-9, Boozer possesses the potential to excel as a point forward at the collegiate level and beyond, thanks to his playmaking ability and unselfishness. Securing a commitment from him is the top priority.
Khaman Maluach is just beginning to tap into his potential standing at 7-foot-2. The Sudanese player has garnered the attention of colleges and NBA scouts due to his outstanding performance in the FIBA World Cup, and despite being only 16 years old, Maluach has shown remarkable improvement in a concise time frame.
ALSO READ: Duke must add VJ Edgecombe to recruiting class
Under the mentorship of former Duke standout Luol Deng, Maluach has played a pivotal role in the resurgence of basketball in Sudan.
Adding Maluach to Duke’s roster would provide the team with shot-blocking prowess and a versatile offensive threat. He’s not a player who necessarily requires constant touches, making him an ideal cornerstone for building team chemistry.
The newly offered prospect, Nate Ament, has been outspoken about his affinity for Duke basketball. He recently took an unofficial visit and even watched a Duke football game with the team during his visit.
Ament’s stock has been on the rise lately, and I had the opportunity to evaluate his game a few months ago, where he left a strong impression. Ament’s scoring versatility is a valuable asset in today’s game, and his presence on the court will open up driving lanes and create spacing for his teammates.
His combination of shooting and inside-out play can add significant value to the Duke offense. With numerous suitors vying for his services, Duke will face stiff competition in recruiting him.
Duke basketball also looking at under the radar players
Versatility is the hallmark of the 2025 class, and another player on Duke’s radar likely to receive an offer soon is Niko Bundalo, a 6-foot-10 forward hailing from Ohio.
Bundalo is a face-up player known for his intensity and physicality on the court. His passing and shooting skills also enable him to effectively play alongside another big man with a similar skill set.
Bundalo has scheduled a visit for September 22, and Jon Scheyer and his staff are expected to make a significant push in their recruitment efforts to bring him to Duke.
Koa Peat and Caleb Wilson may be considered longshots among the 2025 players on Duke’s offer sheet, they should not be underestimated.
Both players bring unique talents and skills to the table.
Peat, a 6-foot-8 forward from Arizona, is a dynamic player who has demonstrated his ability to dominate at all levels of the game.
ALSO READ: Jon Scheyer truly ushering a new era of Duke hoops
On the other hand, Wilson possesses all-world talent and stands at an imposing 6-foot-10. His potential to be a game-changer at the next level is undeniable.
It’s important to note that there may be little developments in recruiting these players as their offer sheets continue expanding, and no visits have been scheduled.
Duke’s frontcourt priorities for the 2025 class embody the team’s strategic approach to selecting players who will proudly wear the Blue Devil jersey.
Each of these recruits offers a unique set of skills, and when their talents are combined, they have the potential to uphold Duke’s storied tradition of excellence on the basketball court.
With these carefully chosen priorities in mind, the Blue Devils are primed to construct a future that gleams with promise and success.