“The Underrated Giant Duke Just Added: Why Ifeanyi Ufochukwu Could Be the Most Important Backup in Durham”
Duke’s frontcourt just got a serious injection of size, strength, and surprise. Standing 6-foot-11 and weighing in at 240 pounds, transfer center Ifeanyi Ufochukwu isn’t a household name — yet. But he might become one in Durham before the 2025-26 season is done.
After several frontcourt departures from the 2024-2025 squad, the Blue Devils’ addition of Ifeanyi Ufochukwu immediately bolsters their big-man depth. The graduate transfer is fresh off a redshirt year at Rice, where he logged 25 appearances across the prior two seasons.
While his stat sheet doesn’t sparkle, Ufochukwu’s game tape tells a much louder story — one of raw athleticism, perimeter mobility, and untapped potential waiting to explode.
To start, the Benin City, Nigeria, native is a true high-level athlete. Standing at 6-foot-11 and weighing in at 240 pounds, the former Owl fulfills Scheyer’s desire for a third center backing up Patrick Ngongba II and Maliq Brown. And like these new teammates, Ufochukwu possesses mobility and lateral quickness that stand out at his size. His film confirms just as much.
As the big man is drawn out to perimeter to guard a potential high pick-and-roll, the opposing ball handler rejects the screen and drives to the basket, clearing his man for an open shot right at the rim. Ufochukwu, seeing the play the entire way through, sprints from the top of the key to emphatically swat the layup attempt.
On the other end of the floor, the new Blue Devil is still coming into his own; heavy reliance on overpowering defenders with size and athleticism makes him a raw product offensively. Despite this week point, Ufochukwu showcased some developing footwork and scoring in the post in a contest with University of Texas-Martin.
In the pick-and-roll, the big man’s mobility will pay dividends, allowing him to slip screens and free himself for high-percentage looks under the basket.
Ufochukwu’s lack of polish and past production will likely prevent him from seeing the court often — especially as he adjusts to a Power Five conference. But his presence gives Duke much-needed injury insurance behind Ngongba and Brown, both of whom battled injuries in the past year, and If injuries strike or matchups demand muscle and mobility, don’t be surprised if Scheyer unleashes Ufochukwu. And when he does, Duke fans may wonder how this hidden gem ever flew under the radar.
