Duke basketball’s recruiting machine under Jon Scheyer continues to pick up steam, and the latest focus for the Blue Devils is on the 2026 class—particularly a trio of elite guards who have already made national headlines on the grassroots circuit. With the departure of Mike Krzyzewski still fresh in memory, Scheyer has emphasized maintaining Duke’s reputation as a destination for top-tier backcourt playmakers. His latest moves prove that the Blue Devils are looking to remain dominant in this crucial recruiting lane.
Currently, Duke has extended offers to St. John Bosco (California) five-star Brandon McCoy Jr., Paul VI Catholic (Virginia) five-star Jordan Smith Jr., and Melissa High School (Texas) four-star Austin Goosby. Those three prospects account for a third of the total 2026 players that Duke has offered so far, underscoring just how much emphasis Scheyer is placing on the backcourt in this cycle.
Recruiting insiders believe this is no coincidence. Duke has a long tradition of producing high-level guards—from Jay Williams and Kyrie Irving to more recent stars like Tyus Jones, Tre Jones, and Tyrese Proctor. Scheyer, who himself played point guard at Duke, understands how vital guard play is to championship runs. Building a future core around elite ball-handlers and combo guards is seen as a central part of Duke’s long-term vision.
The Three Guard Targets
Brandon McCoy Jr. is widely considered one of the top overall prospects in the 2026 class. A dynamic five-star guard from California powerhouse St. John Bosco, McCoy has impressed with his ability to score at all three levels while also showing flashes of advanced court vision. Scouts praise his combination of size and skill, calling him a prototypical modern combo guard who can both create offense and finish plays. His recruitment has already gone national, with programs such as Kentucky, Kansas, and UCLA also heavily involved. For Duke, landing McCoy would be a statement win in the ever-competitive West Coast recruiting battles.
Jordan Smith Jr., meanwhile, comes out of the talent-rich Paul VI Catholic program in Virginia, one of the premier pipelines for top basketball talent in the country. Smith is another five-star guard with the type of versatile skill set that college coaches covet. Standing out on the Nike EYBL circuit this summer, Smith showcased his ability to control tempo, defend multiple positions, and score efficiently. Many analysts consider him one of the most college-ready guards in the class, and his East Coast ties make him an especially intriguing option for Duke given its historic strength in recruiting the Mid-Atlantic region.
Austin Goosby may not carry the same five-star ranking as McCoy or Smith, but make no mistake—he’s a high-level prospect. A four-star guard from Texas, Goosby has built his reputation on toughness, scoring instincts, and leadership qualities. His stock rose significantly during grassroots play, with recruiting experts noting his ability to shine against elite competition. Adam Finkelstein of 247Sports even ranked Goosby among the top five combo guards on the EYBL circuit this year, alongside McCoy and Smith. For Scheyer, Goosby represents not just talent, but also the kind of gritty competitor who can thrive in Duke’s high-pressure environment.
Expert Analysis and the Bigger Picture
According to Adam Finkelstein, all three of these guards belong in the conversation among the five best combo guards from this year’s Nike EYBL grassroots showcase. That’s high praise considering the circuit features many of the nation’s top prospects. Duke’s presence in the mix for multiple names on that short list illustrates just how aggressively the staff is working to secure commitments from players who can define the program’s future.
The recruitment of guards like McCoy, Smith, and Goosby also reflects Scheyer’s broader recruiting philosophy. Since taking over for Coach K, Scheyer has shown a willingness to cast a wide net geographically. He’s secured commitments from coast to coast while also doubling down on the type of players who fit Duke’s identity: skilled, versatile, and competitive athletes who can adapt to both college and NBA playstyles.
Why the Backcourt Matters for Duke
In the modern era of college basketball, backcourt depth often separates good teams from great ones. Guards handle the ball, initiate offense, and frequently determine the pace of play. With roster turnover accelerated by the transfer portal and one-and-done NBA departures, programs must continually stockpile elite guard talent to remain at the top. For Duke, winning battles for McCoy, Smith, or Goosby would provide not only immediate skill boosts but also long-term stability in the most crucial part of the lineup.
Looking ahead, these 2026 targets also line up with Scheyer’s vision for maintaining Duke’s competitive edge well into the next decade. Even as the program remains focused on the upcoming 2025–26 season, recruiting decisions made today will shape how the Blue Devils look two and three years down the road. If Scheyer can land even one of these three premier guards, it could set the tone for another top-ranked class and help keep Duke firmly in national title conversations.
