Five-star guard Jordan Smith Jr. has officially named his top six schools, and Kentucky Basketball made the cut. The elite 2025 prospect is one of the most sought-after guards in the country, known for his scoring instincts, elite footwork, and explosive athleticism.
Alongside Kentucky, Smith’s list includes Duke, Kansas, UConn, Alabama, and Arkansas—a competitive group with familiar blue-blood powerhouses. But it’s the presence of Duke that raises the most eyebrows among Kentucky fans.
Kentucky and Duke have gone head-to-head on numerous high-profile recruitments over the years, and this one looks to be no different. With both schools in his top six, Smith’s decision could swing the momentum in favor of whoever wins out.
Smith, a 6-foot-4 guard from Georgia, recently completed summer play on the Nike EYBL circuit. He impressed scouts with his ability to control the pace, score from anywhere on the floor, and defend multiple positions. According to 247Sports and Rivals, he remains a consensus top-10 player in the 2025 class.
Kentucky head coach Mark Pope and his staff have prioritized Smith for months. They’ve built a strong relationship with him and his family, making several campus visits and attending key games. That consistency could pay off as decision time nears.
Duke, however, has a long-standing reputation with high-profile guards. With Jon Scheyer building a strong 2025 class already, their pitch may be hard to turn down.
Smith is expected to announce a decision in early 2025. Until then, the race is on.
