Duke University's basketball program has solidified its position as the nation's top recruiting destination with the commitment of Shelton Henderson, a highly sought-after small forward from Bellaire, Texas. The 6-6, 220-pound prospect announced his decision to join the Blue Devils in a live YouTube video, choosing Duke over finalists Texas and Louisville.
Unlocking the Future: Duke's Powerhouse Recruiting Class
A Playmaking Prodigy Joins the Ranks
Shelton Henderson, a five-star recruit and the 15th-ranked player in the 2025 class according to 247Sports.com, has pledged his talents to the Duke Blue Devils. The versatile forward is known for his ability to score from the perimeter or by driving to the basket, making him a valuable asset to the team. Henderson's decision to join the Blue Devils was heavily influenced by his connection with associate head coach Jai Lucas, who also hails from Bellaire, Texas, and the belief that he can make an immediate impact as a freshman under the guidance of head coach Jon Scheyer.The Boozer Twins: A Formidable Duo
Henderson's commitment adds to an already impressive 2025 recruiting class for Duke, which includes the Boozer twins, Cameron and Cayden. Cameron, a 6-9, 225-pound power forward, is ranked as the second-best player in the class, while Cayden, a 6-4 point guard, is the 21st-ranked prospect. The brothers, whose father is former Duke standout Carlos Boozer, have already established a strong bond with Henderson, having played together on the international stage in Argentina last summer.Rounding Out the Blue Devils' Powerhouse
In addition to Henderson and the Boozer twins, Duke's 2025 recruiting class also features Nikolas Khamenia, a 6-8 power forward from Harvard-Westlake High School in Los Angeles. Khamenia, a four-star recruit, is ranked as the 19th-best player in the class and is expected to contribute to the Blue Devils' frontcourt depth.Preparing for the Future: Duke's Roster Outlook
As Duke's current season is about to begin, the expectation is that the team will likely lose several key players to the NBA Draft next summer. Freshmen Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, and Khaman Maulach are all projected to be first-round picks, while transfers Sion James and Mason Gillis are playing their final seasons of college eligibility. Additionally, guards Tyrese Proctor and Caleb Foster could also declare for the NBA if they have standout seasons.Chasing Greatness: Duke's Recruiting Dominance
Even before Henderson's commitment, Duke had already secured the top-ranked recruiting class for 2025, according to 247Sports.com. The Blue Devils' ability to consistently attract the nation's top talent is a testament to the program's storied history, elite coaching staff, and the allure of playing for one of the most prestigious basketball programs in the country.The Pursuit of Nate Ament: Duke's Continued Recruiting Efforts
Duke's recruiting prowess doesn't stop with the 2025 class. The Blue Devils remain in the running to add another five-star player, 6-9 power forward Nate Ament, the fourth-ranked player in the 2025 class. Head coach Jon Scheyer recently visited Ament, who has made two unofficial visits to Duke and official visits to Texas and Louisville, with a trip to Notre Dame scheduled for November 9th.As Duke's basketball program continues to solidify its position as a national powerhouse, the commitment of Shelton Henderson and the assembly of this exceptional 2025 recruiting class further cements the Blue Devils' status as the premier destination for the nation's top high school talent.