Duke Basketball Fills Final Scholarship Spot for 2023-24 Season

The Duke basketball roster includes one feel-good, well-deserved promotion.

Matt Giles | Sep 7, 2023

Duke Basketball Fills Final Scholarship Spot for 2023-24 Season /

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Duke Blue Devils

Spencer Hubbard, a 5-foot-8, 157-pound senior guard, is no longer a Blue Devil walk-on. Instead, he's now the 13th and final scholarship player on tap for the 2023-24 Duke basketball season, the second under Jon Scheyer's command.

This week, Scheyer announced the news to the team inside the program's practice facility. Judging by the video that Duke basketball posted to social media on Thursday afternoon, it came as a pleasant surprise to Hubbard and the rest of the exuberant Blue Devils:

🚨 @SpencerHubbard7 got the call up!!! pic.twitter.com/J4nBjRbOGM
— Duke Men’s Basketball (@DukeMBB) September 7, 2023

"He's shown up every day, for years at a time," Scheyer said to his squad. "And he's as competitive as anybody. He pisses you guys off more, going against him in practice. I just want you guys to know he's not going to be a walk-on anymore. Spencer Hubbard..."

Before Scheyer could complete the sentence, the Duke basketball players began the celebration, giving Hubbard his well-deserved moment in the spotlight.

Hubbard has seen action in only six games across his two years as a Blue Devil walk-on, totaling only one point, two rebounds, and one steal in his 15 minutes on the court. As a freshman, he was just a member of the practice team.

While the Los Angeles native might not enjoy increased usage for a Duke team that figures to begin the season among the top three in the preseason AP Top 25, there's no question his teammates and coaches value his contributions and energetic presence.

Stay tuned to Blue Devil Country on SI.com for more Duke basketball news.

Published Sep 7, 2023

MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.