After Maximo Adams Backs Out, Duke Eyes Three Game-Changing Recruits — You Won’t Believe Who’s on the List
The Duke Blue Devils’ recruiting trail has taken an unexpected twist after five-star forward Maximo Adams cancelled his highly anticipated visit to Durham. Head coach Jon Scheyer and his staff had invested months of effort into building a relationship with the top-ranked wing, only for the California native to shift his attention toward North Carolina, Duke’s greatest rival.
According to multiple recruiting insiders, Adams’ decision came after what was described as a “highly successful” visit to Chapel Hill, where the Tar Heels reportedly made a lasting impression. For Duke, the news was a blow — but not a fatal one. The Blue Devils are far from done, and their focus has now shifted to three high-upside prospects who could reshape the 2026 recruiting class.
1. Cameron Wallace – The Dynamic Scorer from Texas
One name emerging fast on Duke’s radar is Cameron Wallace, a five-star shooting guard out of Houston’s Bellaire High. Known for his explosive first step and ability to score at all three levels, Wallace has drawn comparisons to former Duke star Brandon Ingram.
Sources close to Duke’s staff indicate that assistant coach Amile Jefferson has been leading Wallace’s recruitment and that the guard has responded positively to the program’s development-focused pitch.
“Coach Scheyer’s vision for guards is exciting,” Wallace recently said in an interview. “He’s about freedom, creativity, and trust. That’s big for me.”
2. Jalen Crawford – The Underrated Big with NBA Tools
Another key target is Jalen Crawford, a 6-foot-10 forward from Chicago who’s climbed into the national top-30 rankings. Crawford’s combination of wingspan, mobility, and emerging perimeter shooting has caught Duke’s attention, especially with the program emphasizing versatility in its frontcourt.
While Adams’ decision to cancel his visit created some uncertainty, insiders say Crawford could fill that void — and possibly exceed expectations.
“He’s still raw, but Duke sees something special,” one recruiting analyst told 247Sports. “Crawford fits the modern mold — switchable, skilled, and unselfish. They’re going all in on him.”
3. Trey Daniels – The Point Guard Who Runs the Show
Perhaps the most intriguing name on the list is Trey Daniels, a four-star point guard from Atlanta who’s been flying under the national radar. Daniels is known for his elite court vision and ability to control tempo, something Duke has lacked since Tyus Jones.
Scheyer has been personally involved in Daniels’ recruitment, making several visits and emphasizing Duke’s tradition of developing elite floor generals. With Daniels’ recent surge in rankings, insiders believe his stock is set to skyrocket heading into the winter recruiting period.
Duke’s Quick Recovery
While losing a top recruit like Maximo Adams might sting, Duke’s quick pivot shows the program’s depth and recruiting resilience. Under Scheyer, the Blue Devils have continued to thrive on the trail, blending one-and-done talent with multi-year program players — a formula that has kept them nationally relevant.
Recruiting experts believe the next few weeks could be decisive, as Wallace, Crawford, and Daniels are each expected to take official visits before the end of the year. If Duke lands even two of them, it would not only soften the blow of Adams’ decision but also reaffirm Scheyer’s growing reputation as one of college basketball’s sharpest recruiters.
The Rivalry Heats Up
Meanwhile, over in Chapel Hill, UNC fans are celebrating the possibility of adding Adams to their 2026 class, setting up yet another chapter in college basketball’s most iconic rivalry. If Adams ultimately commits to the Tar Heels, his first matchup against Duke will be circled on every calendar — a storyline too rich for the basketball world to ignore.
For now, the Blue Devils have regrouped, reloaded, and refocused. Losing Adams may have sparked disappointment, but the pursuit of Wallace, Crawford, and Daniels shows one thing clearly — Duke isn’t rebuilding; they’re reloading.
