Blue Devil Country

Duke Basketball: Five-Star Prep Talks Childhood Blue Devil Fandom

A long-limbed 3-and-D recruit suggested he'd like to catch Duke basketball attention.

Matt Giles

Photo credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
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St. Benedict's Prep (N.J.) wing Chidi Nwigwe, No. 18 overall on the 247Sports 2026 Composite, has a growing offer sheet. It doesn't include one from the Duke basketball program yet. But given his budding talent and appreciation for all things Blue Devils, one would think he'll pop up on Jon Scheyer's radar eventually.

"The bluebloods are definitely schools I'd love to have an offer from and get connected with," the 6-foot-7, 195-pound five-star noted to Zagsblog's Charlie Parent last week. "I was a Duke fan growing up with Coach K. It was fun watching them, and they're always the best team out."

At the USA Basketball Junior Team Minicamp in October, Nwigwe proved he belongs among the premier prospects in his class, drawing praise from scouts with his length, athleticism, and outside shooting.

Here's a summary of his game that On3's Jamie Shaw provided after watching him at the event:

"Chidi Nwigwe simply knows how to play. He has a great frame and a good skill base. The shot was confident, with good form. The passing was on target and on time. He rebounded, and he defended. It was a solid showing."

Scheyer and his gang boast a five-deep 2024 haul — with a chance to impress their only remaining target in the cycle this weekend — and have extended eight 2025 offers.

Meanwhile, although they've begun to exhibit interest in the current crop of top high school sophomores, the 2026 Duke basketball wishlist remains blank.

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

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Matt Giles
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.

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