“Five-Star Guard Jordan Smith Jr. Set to Return—Will Duke Make Their Move?”
DURHAM, N.C. — The Duke basketball program is in prime position to reignite its pursuit of one of the class of 2026’s brightest stars: five-star combo guard Jordan Smith Jr. After an unofficial visit to Durham last fall, the 6’3″ Paul VI Catholic (Va.) standout is gearing up for an official return—and Duke fans are buzzing to see if the Blue Devils can land another elite talent off their own turf.
Smith, rated No. 3 overall and No. 2 among combo guards nationally, has kept his recruitment wide open. In addition to holding an offer from Duke, the prep phenom has locked in official visits to Arkansas (Sept. 20–21) and Kentucky (Oct. 10–11), and plans to explore Indiana, Louisville, Syracuse, Georgetown—and of course, Duke— before making his choice.
Why Duke Still Matters
Smith’s connection to Duke isn’t just about recruitment—it’s personal. He once shared the court at Paul VI with current Blue Devils Darren Harris and Patrick Ngongba II, making Duke more than just another school—it’s familiar territory. His unofficial visit last November gave him a taste of the environment, campus, and culture that Duke consistently sells to top prospects.
Duke is among the five most active programs in Smith’s recruitment. While schools like Kentucky and Arkansas boast bright futures, Duke’s early attention and established relationships have pushed them squarely into Smith’s inner circle.
The Impact: What Does Smith Bring?
On the court, Smith checks every box:
Elite scoring pedigree: Averaging nearly 19 PPG and 6 rebounds/4 assists as a junior, the 6’3″ guard brings both volume and efficiency.
National-level performance: A standout in EYBL play and a MaxPreps National Junior of the Year, he’s who elite prospects are measured against.
NIL-ready profile: His brand value already places him among the most marketable athletes in his class, making him an instant draw for any college marketing team.
For Duke, landing Smith means locking down a dynamic two-way talent who can score, defend, run the pick-and-roll—and extend the backcourt tradition already built by the likes of Tyus Jones and Tre Jones.
🏟️ The Road Ahead
Smith’s recruitment schedule is set to unfold this fall:
Arkansas (Sept. 20–21) — A rugged SEC contender offering physical play and high exposure.
Kentucky (Oct. 10–11) — A pace-driven, NBA-style offense with deep tradition.
Duke, Indiana, Louisville, Syracuse, Georgetown — Remaining visits likely to shape Smith’s final decision.
With these visits spread across diverse conferences and styles, Smith is taking a wise, measured approach—testing fit in every direction before narrowing his finalists later this fall.
Duke is back in prime recruiting form. With Jon Scheyer’s staff, including key recruiter Chris Carrawell, maintaining consistent contact and demonstrating commitment, Smith is seeing more than just a highlight reel—he’s seeing a vision.
But competition is stiff. Kentucky’s offensive style, Arkansas’s rising profile, and the classic programs Indiana, Louisville, Syracuse, and Georgetown offer all present legitimate allure.
For Duke fans, the message is clear: this fall could be defining. If Jordan Smith Jr. returns for an official visit and leaves impressed, the Blue Devils could be in prime position to land one of the top guards in the nation. Considering he’s one of just eight players in his cycle holding Duke offers, the countdown has well and truly begun.
