If Duke misses out on Jordan Smith Jr. when the five-star combo guard makes his decision this Friday, it won’t be a disaster for the Blue Devils’ recruiting class-but it’ll definitely leave a mark. Not because they’re short on talent, but because Smith is the kind of player you build around. He’s not just another elite prospect-he’s a tone-setter, the type of guard who can anchor a backcourt from day one.
At 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds, Smith already has the physical makeup of a college veteran. Coming out of Paul VI Catholic in Fairfax, Virginia, he’s ranked as the No. 3 overall player in the 247Sports Composite and the top combo guard in the nation. His final list reflects that pedigree: Arkansas, Duke, Georgetown, Indiana, Kentucky, and Syracuse are all in the mix.
What makes Smith so coveted? Start with the physical tools.
He’s got a reported 6-foot-8.5 wingspan and a long, sturdy frame that allows him to guard multiple positions. He’s a switchable defender who doesn’t just hold his own-he thrives in mismatches.
And he’s not just a defensive asset. On the EYBL circuit, Smith filled up the stat sheet with 19.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 2.1 steals, and a block per game.
That’s not just production-it’s versatility.
What really sets him apart, though, is how he attacks. Smith gets downhill with force, slicing through defenses with a burst that’s tough to stay in front of.
But he’s not a one-dimensional slasher. He’s shown the ability to play on or off the ball, making him a plug-and-play option in a variety of systems.
He can create, he can finish, and he can defend-all at a high level.
For Duke, who’s used to landing top-tier talent, this recruitment is less about plugging a hole and more about adding a potential game-changer. Smith has the tools to be a foundational piece, the kind of guard who can lead a team deep into March. If he chooses another school, the Blue Devils will move forward with plenty of talent still in the pipeline-but they’ll know they missed out on a special one.