DURHAM, N.C. — Jon Scheyer and Duke basketball are at it again. In the never-ending battle to remain on top of the recruiting world, the Blue Devils are about to roll out the blue carpet for one of the most electric prospects in the entire 2026 class.
This weekend, 5-star small forward Bryson Howard — ranked No. 12 overall and the No. 2 small forward nationally — is making his official visit to Durham. And make no mistake: this is more than just another stop on a recruiting tour. This is Duke going head-to-head with the rest of college basketball for a player who could become the face of a future championship run.
Howard isn’t just another recruit. He’s the son of Josh Howard, a former NBA standout and longtime pro who carved out a 10-year career at the highest level. That kind of bloodline alone puts eyes on Bryson. But what’s turning heads even more is what the young star has already shown on the hardwood. At 6-foot-5, 188 pounds with a staggering 6-foot-11 wingspan, Bryson is built to dominate both ends of the floor in today’s game.
Why Bryson Howard is different
Scouts and recruiting experts have been buzzing about Bryson for months, and it’s easy to see why. Howard plays the game with a rare blend of athleticism, toughness, and skill. He’s a left-handed wing who thrives in attack mode, slicing through defenses with straight-line drives and absorbing contact at the rim. And when defenders collapse, he can make them pay from deep — shooting a blistering 45% from three last season. Add in a smooth free throw stroke (75%), and his scoring profile is as dangerous as it is versatile.
But Bryson isn’t just about offense. Defensively, he’s already showing elite-level instincts. With his freakish wingspan and natural strength, he disrupts passing lanes, gets into opponents’ airspace, and forces turnovers. His numbers speak volumes: 2 steals per game and nearly a block a night — rare productivity for a high school wing. Coaches see a player who could become a lockdown defender on one end and a high-flying highlight machine on the other.
And here’s the scary part: he’s still only scratching the surface. Howard won’t turn 18 until after his high school graduation. That means his frame is going to fill out, his game is going to mature, and his upside is almost limitless. The only question is — which program gets the privilege of unleashing it?
Where Duke fits in
Howard is expected to visit multiple blue blood programs this fall. Along with Duke, he’ll be making official stops at UNC, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Houston. Each of those schools has its own pitch, but Duke’s message is simple: tradition meets opportunity.
Jon Scheyer has already proven he can recruit with the best of the best, landing elite classes that keep the Blue Devils at the center of the college basketball universe. But adding Howard to the mix would be different. This isn’t just about stacking another 5-star. It’s about bringing in a player who perfectly embodies the future of Duke basketball — versatile, unselfish, and wired to win.
Cameron Indoor Stadium has always had a special pull for recruits. The history, the banners, the Cameron Crazies losing their minds every night — it’s the kind of atmosphere that turns talented players into legends. For Howard, who thrives in big moments, the fit seems almost too perfect.
The stock-riser of the year
Howard’s rise over the past year has been one of the biggest stories on the grassroots basketball circuit. Once considered a “high-potential” wing, he’s transformed himself into one of the most complete players in his class. Scouts love his growth as a shooter, his improving decision-making, and his willingness to impact the game on both ends.
The scary thought for opponents? He’s still developing. His right hand, his playmaking vision, his feel when defenses load up on him — these are all areas that can improve. And given how quickly he’s progressed already, few doubt he’ll figure it all out. If that happens, we could be talking about Howard not just as a top-15 player, but as a top-5 prospect in the class of 2026.
The big picture
For Duke fans, this weekend feels like more than just another visit. It feels like the start of something special. The Blue Devils have had plenty of great wings come through Durham — from Grant Hill to Brandon Ingram to Jayson Tatum. Bryson Howard has the tools to follow in that tradition, and maybe even create his own.
Jon Scheyer is trying to build a class that doesn’t just compete, but dominates. And if Duke can make the kind of impression it’s known for during official visits, the Blue Devils could soon be adding another cornerstone to their future.
Howard may still be weighing his options, but one thing is clear: wherever he goes, he’s going to make noise. And if that place happens to be Duke, well, let’s just say Cameron Indoor won’t be ready for the storm that’s coming.
Duke fans, buckle up — this could be the beginning of something legendary.
