DUKE LANDS #1 RECRUITING CLASS AND ANNOUNCES BACK-TO-BACK NBA LOTTERY PICKS RETURNING FOR ANOTHER SEASON
Durham, NC – In a move that has sent shockwaves through the college basketball world, the Duke Blue Devils have officially secured the nation’s No. 1 recruiting class — and somehow, the even bigger news came just moments later.
Sophomore forward Jaylen Rivers and junior guard Malik Hart, both projected top-10 picks in the upcoming NBA Draft, have announced they will forgo the pros for one more year and return to Duke for the 2025-26 season.
Yes, you read that correctly.
In an era dominated by one-and-done talent, NIL deals, and early exits, two surefire lottery picks turning down the NBA to “run it back” is nearly unheard of — and it just might change the landscape of college basketball.
A Dynasty in the Making?
Coach Jon Scheyer’s program was already trending upward after a strong Sweet 16 run last season, but today’s developments have instantly elevated Duke to national title favorites. The incoming freshman class includes five-star forward Dante Miles, the electric point guard Zion Daniels, and the towering 7’1” center Luka Drummond from Spain, who has been called “the next Pau Gasol.”
Add that to Rivers and Hart — who averaged 19.7 and 17.3 points per game, respectively — and Duke isn’t just dangerous. They’re terrifying.
“We have unfinished business,” said Rivers at the surprise press conference inside Cameron Indoor Stadium. “We came here to win championships. We’re not leaving until we do.”
Hart, who became a viral sensation last March with a clutch buzzer-beater against Kansas, echoed the sentiment: “We believe in this team. With the guys coming in and the guys staying, this is something special.”
The Power of NIL and Brotherhood
Sources close to the program suggest that lucrative NIL opportunities played a role in their decision to stay, but both players were adamant that it was “about more than money.”
“Duke is family,” Hart said. “We’ve built something real here. We’re not done writing our story.”
Coach Scheyer, still visibly stunned by the announcements, called it “one of the proudest moments” of his career.
“It’s not just about talent — and yes, we have a lot of it now,” he said with a grin. “It’s about character, leadership, and belief. These guys are setting a tone not just for Duke, but for college basketball as a whole.”
Reactions Flood In
The internet exploded within minutes of the announcement. NBA analysts were quick to question the decision from a draft stock perspective, but many praised the maturity and long-term vision of both players.
Former Blue Devil and NBA star Jayson Tatum tweeted: “Jaylen and Malik staying?? SHEESH. Brotherhood is real.”
Fans across social media are already dubbing the upcoming season the potential start of “Duke’s Revenge Tour,” with bold predictions of a 40-0 season flying around message boards and Reddit threads.
What Comes Next?
With the No. 1 recruiting class, two stars returning, and a chip on their shoulder, the 2025-26 Duke Blue Devils are built for dominance. ESPN’s early projections have them ranked No. 1 in the preseason, with four players named to the All-American watch list.
One thing’s for sure — all eyes will be on Durham this fall. And for opposing teams?
Good luck.