A Strategic Shift in the 2027 Class
AJ Williams, long regarded as the premier talent in the 2028 high school basketball class, announced that he will reclassify into the 2027 cohort. The move elevates his standing, positioning him as the No. 4 overall player and the No. 2 small forward in the 2027 247Sports Composite Rankings.
During the Nike EYBL Peach Jam, the 6‑8 wing displayed his readiness for higher competition, averaging 23 points, 8.2 rebounds and shooting 44.4% from the field. His performance at the 17U level has intensified interest from a host of programs.
Williams is now evaluating nine colleges, among them Duke, North Carolina, Auburn, BYU, UConn, Georgia, Illinois, Georgia Tech and Mississippi State. The decision comes as Duke, traditionally a powerhouse in the 2027 class, finds itself confronting a recruiting landscape many analysts describe as weaker than usual.
Coach Jon Scheyer and his staff have already extended offers to five‑star recruits Beckham Black, Adan Diggs and Lewis Uvwo in the 2027 class. In addition, they have offered 5‑star prospects Colton Hiller and Yann Kamagate in the 2028 class, with Kamagate now positioned as the new No. 1 recruit following Williams' reclassification.
The reclassification not only reshapes Williams' own timeline but also forces Duke to reconsider its scholarship allocations and long‑term planning. By moving into the 2027 cycle, Williams adds a marquee talent to a class that could become a focal point for the Blue Devils' future successes.