Duke University’s men’s basketball program has formally reached out to Brady Pettigrew, a five‑star guard who tops the national rankings among combo guards and sits at No. 14 overall in the 2028 class.
Pettigrew, already holding offers from several ACC powerhouses such as NC State, Florida State, Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech, is viewed as a coveted piece for any program aspiring to future championship contention.
The Blue Devils’ recruiting staff has also initiated contact with a quartet of other 2028 standouts — AJ Williams, Yann Kamagate, Dylan Betts and Colton Hiller — though none of these prospects have received formal offers at this stage.
In contrast to the activity surrounding 2028 talent, Duke has already secured commitments from two 2027 prospects, Kager Knueppel and Beckham Black, who have both signed onto the school’s offer sheet.
The early outreach reflects a broader strategy by Duke’s coaching staff to build relationships well before the traditional signing period, a tactic that has become increasingly common among elite programs.
The Recruiting Landscape
Across the country, high‑school athletes are aligning with a variety of preparatory institutions, from Bolingbrook High School in Illinois to Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy in Georgia, each navigating distinct pathways to college recruitment.
Scouting services such as 247Sports and League Ready provide the analytical backbone that helps schools like Duke evaluate talent, while events at venues like IMG Academy and St. Francis High School serve as showcase platforms.
Meanwhile, the geographic spread of prospects — spanning Illinois, Georgia, California, Florida and Pennsylvania — underscores the national scope of the talent pool that Duke must monitor.