Even in the heart of ACC play, Jon Scheyer isn’t hitting the pause button. With Duke in the middle of a brief break between conference matchups, the Blue Devils’ head coach took the opportunity to hit the recruiting trail-hard. On Monday night, Scheyer made the trip north to Springfield, Massachusetts, for the 2026 Panini Hoophall Classic, where he was courtside for a marquee high school showdown featuring two of the top players in the country-and possibly two future Blue Devils.
The matchup? St.
Mary’s (AZ) versus Paul VI (DC). The headliners?
Five-star power forward and Duke commit Cameron Williams squaring off against five-star shooting guard Jordan Smith Jr., an uncommitted prospect who just so happens to be one of Duke’s top remaining targets in the 2026 class.
For Scheyer, this wasn’t just a casual stop. It was a statement.
Recruiting Never Rests in Durham
While other programs might ease up during the grind of the college basketball season, Scheyer continues to operate with the urgency of a coach building something long-term. His presence at the Hoophall Classic served a dual purpose: reinforcing his commitment to Williams, who’s already pledged to Duke, and keeping the full-court press on Smith, a dynamic scorer with elite upside.
Smith, ranked as the No. 3 shooting guard and No. 7 overall prospect in the 2026 class, is being courted by a who’s who of college basketball royalty. Duke, Kentucky, and several other blue-bloods are all in the mix. But according to recruiting insiders, it’s Scheyer and the Blue Devils who currently hold the edge.
And when you look at how this class is shaping up, it’s easy to see why Smith would be intrigued.
Building a Powerhouse Class
Scheyer and his staff have already locked in four commitments for 2026, and it’s an impressive haul. Williams, a physical and skilled forward, headlines the group as the No. 4 overall player in the class. He’s joined by five-star small forward Bryson Howard, five-star center Maxime Meyer, and four-star point guard Deron Rippey Jr.-a balanced and talented core that gives Duke a strong foundation at nearly every position.
Nearly.
The one piece missing? A shooting guard. That’s where Smith comes in.
If Scheyer is able to land him, it would not only round out the class positionally but potentially lock in another No. 1 recruiting class for Duke-a continuation of the program’s tradition of elite-level recruiting under both Mike Krzyzewski and now Scheyer.
All Eyes on Smith
Watching Smith and Williams go head-to-head at the Hoophall Classic wasn’t just a glimpse into the future of college basketball-it might’ve been a preview of Duke’s own future. Williams already looks the part of a Blue Devil, bringing energy, versatility, and a polished inside-out game. Smith, meanwhile, showcased why he’s one of the most sought-after scorers in the country, with a smooth shooting stroke and the kind of athleticism that can change games.
Scheyer’s courtside presence didn’t go unnoticed. In an era where relationships and visibility matter as much as system fit and playing time, showing up for a high school showcase in the middle of the college season sends a clear message: Duke is all in on Jordan Smith Jr.
Eyes on the Present, Building for the Future
While the Blue Devils gear up for their next conference test against Wake Forest, Scheyer is balancing the now with the next. It’s a delicate dance-keeping a veteran roster locked in for a deep March run while also laying the groundwork for what comes after.
But that’s the job in Durham. And so far, Scheyer’s showing he’s more than up to the task.
If Monday night is any indication, the Blue Devils aren’t just chasing wins this season-they’re building a roster that could dominate for years to come.