Duke basketball secured one of its most significant recruiting victories of the Jon Scheyer era on Friday, landing a verbal commitment from Cameron Williams — a 6-foot-11 five-star forward whose rapid rise and elite physical profile have made him one of the most coveted prospects in the 2026 class. Williams, a standout at St. Mary’s High School in Arizona and a player ranked as high as No. 4 nationally, chose the Blue Devils over serious challenges from Arizona and Texas, cementing Duke’s status as one of the early winners of the 2026 cycle.
The commitment marks a major moment for Scheyer and his staff, who have been working to build long-term recruiting momentum following consecutive top-tier classes. Williams becomes the third pledge in Duke’s 2026 group, joining five-star guard Bryson Howard and four-star big man Maxime Meyer. Together, the trio gives Duke one of the deepest and most versatile early hauls in the country, blending elite scoring, positional size, and long-term NBA upside.
A Rapid-Rising Prospect With National Attention
Williams’ ascent has been striking even by modern recruiting standards. Only a year ago, he was regarded as more of a regional prospect, known within Arizona circles but not widely projected as a future blue-chip recruit. That perception shifted dramatically last summer, when Williams impressed on the Adidas 3SSB circuit with the Compton Magic. His combination of length, mobility, and skill on both ends of the floor set him apart in national events, and he quickly climbed into the top 30 of major recruiting rankings.
By June, Williams had cracked the top 10, and by the time fall evaluations rolled around, he had risen to No. 4 overall in 247Sports’ rankings and solidified his status as the top power forward in the 2026 class. As his stock rose, so did the intensity of his recruitment. More than a dozen high-major programs extended offers, and several attempted to get involved late as his profile exploded. But when Duke offered over the summer — after an extended evaluation process — the staff immediately became a major player.
The Visit That Sealed It
Williams’ early-October official visit to Durham became the major turning point in his process. According to people close to his recruitment, Duke was able to showcase both its developmental plan and its vision for how Williams could be used in a modern, versatile frontcourt. Scheyer and his staff emphasized Williams’ ability to play multiple roles offensively, including as a face-up scorer, a floor-stretching forward, and a transition weapon capable of igniting fast breaks.
The visit also highlighted Duke’s strength-and-conditioning program, its revamped player development model, and the program’s recent success in helping big wings and forwards evolve into NBA prospects. For Williams, the combination of culture, opportunity, and fit made a strong impression that ultimately elevated Duke above Arizona, Texas, and several late-emerging suitors.
On-Court Production and Skill Development
Williams enters his senior season at St. Mary’s coming off a strong junior campaign in which he averaged 18.0 points, 11.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 2.6 blocks per game. Those numbers reflect both his versatility and his continued development as a two-way player. His motor on the glass, ability to play above the rim, and growing skill as a passer allow him to affect the game in a wide variety of ways.
On the 3SSB circuit, his productivity remained consistent, averaging 8.5 rebounds and 3.3 blocks per contest, including 2.4 offensive rebounds per game — a testament to his length, timing, and athleticism. His shot-blocking instincts stand out, especially given his ability to defend both at the rim and in space. Evaluators have taken note of his fluid mobility, his ability to recover on drives, and his potential to switch across multiple positions.
Offensively, Williams has developed into a multifaceted threat. He has a soft touch around the basket and has become increasingly comfortable facing up and attacking off the dribble. His shooting development has been especially noteworthy: he knocked down nearly 50 percent of his catch-and-shoot three-point attempts over the summer, displaying mechanics and confidence rarely seen in a player his size. The combination of shooting upside, straight-line driving ability, and efficiency in transition makes him one of the most modern and plug-and-play frontcourt prospects in the class.
Physical Tools With Huge Long-Term Upside
Physically, Williams is already impressive and still far from his peak. He stands 6-foot-11 with a 7-foot-1.5 wingspan, boasting a lean, springy frame that evaluators believe will only get more impactful as he adds muscle. Scouts have praised his “floor-to-floor” speed — the ability to run in transition like a guard despite his height — as well as his quick second jump and timing as a shot blocker.
Although he can play a bit upright at times, a common trait among young big forwards, his mobility and coordination give him one of the highest developmental ceilings in the 2026 class. Many view him as a future NBA-caliber hybrid forward who could fit seamlessly into modern professional systems that rely on spacing, versatility, and defensive fluidity.
A Major Win for Duke — and a Statement for the 2026 Class
Landing Williams is more than just adding a five-star talent—it’s a statement about where Duke’s recruiting is headed. Scheyer continues to prioritize athletic, versatile forwards who can impact the game on both ends, and Williams fits that profile perfectly. His commitment gives Duke a potential future centerpiece, someone who could anchor the frontcourt while complementing the dynamic guard play of Howard and the size and touch of Meyer.
As the 2026 cycle continues, Duke is expected to remain active in pursuing additional elite talent. But with Williams now in the fold, the Blue Devils have already secured one of the cornerstones of the class — and one of the most intriguing long-term prospects in high school basketball.
