DUKE JOINS THE BATTLE FOR MAXIMO ADAMS: Blue Devils Chase West Coast Star After EYBL Explosion
The Duke Blue Devils aren’t just watching the recruiting scene — they’re storming it. And their latest move just turned heads across the college basketball world.
Duke has officially entered the race for one of the hottest names in the 2026 class — Maximo Adams, a 6-foot-7 four-star small forward from California whose stock has skyrocketed this summer. On Sunday, Adams announced via social media that he received an offer from the Blue Devils, writing:
“Very blessed to receive an offer from Duke University. Thank you Coach Scheyer and staff for believing in me.”
This isn’t just any offer — it’s a statement. Coach Jon Scheyer has clearly seen something special in Adams, who dominated the recent Nike EYBL Peach Jam and instantly became one of the most talked-about recruits in the country.
During the Peach Jam, Adams torched defenses with averages of 18.8 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 2.6 assists across five games. Against elite AAU competition, he played with poise, power, and serious polish — showing flashes of a future collegiate star and possible NBA potential. That breakout turned him from a quiet West Coast prospect into a national name.
Currently ranked No. 100 overall, No. 39 among small forwards, and No. 9 in California according to the 247Sports Composite, Adams has been swarmed by elite programs. In just one month, he’s picked up over two dozen offers, including from Kentucky, North Carolina, Baylor, and UCLA — all giants in the recruiting world.
But now, Duke is officially in the mix.
What makes this recruitment even more intriguing is that Adams has never visited Durham. But that visit could be next — and if Duke can get him on campus and show him what playing at Cameron Indoor means, this race might shift dramatically. With the Blue Devils’ national brand, rich history, and Jon Scheyer’s player-first approach, there’s a real chance they can make a major impression.
Adams brings a rare blend of size, skill, and motor. He’s long, athletic, and plays with intensity on both ends of the floor. He can score at all three levels and rebounds like a power forward — a true mismatch nightmare in the making. His game is tailor-made for modern basketball, and programs know it.
Duke’s 2026 recruiting board is already shaping up to be something special, and with Maximo Adams in the conversation, it could be legendary. The Blue Devils are betting big on the California phenom — and the entire college basketball world is watching.
