Duke basketball recruiting: Son of six-time All-Star likes Blue Devils

Four-star 2025 talent Jermaine O'Neal Jr. grew up as a Duke basketball fan.

Matt Giles | Jan 5, 2023

Duke basketball recruiting: Son of six-time All-Star likes Blue Devils /

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There's no indication yet that the Duke basketball staff is interested in Dynamic Prep (Texas) small forward Jermaine O'Neal Jr., an emerging 2025 talent who is the namesake of former six-time NBA All-Star big man Jermaine O'Neal. However, the 6-foot-5, 175-pound four-star seems familiar with the Blue Devils.

"I grew up liking Duke and USC," O'Neal told On3's Jamie Shaw this week. "I don't know that I'd necessarily go to either, but I'd say I like USC a little more than Duke. I want to play for a coach and a school that stresses defense. Also, somewhere that moves the ball and plays as a team."

O'Neal ranks No. 48 overall on the 2025 On3 Consensus yet currently holds offers from only a handful of programs: Arizona State, Missouri, SMU, Tennessee, and Vanderbilt.

But judging by his highlights and the following summary of his game from 247Sports' Brandon Jenkins, one would think O'Neal's suitors will multiply soon enough:

"He is a swingman with budding athleticism, ideal position size, long arms, and a very respectable jumper from long range."

@JOneal7_ is coming along just fine.. his ability to guard, run the floor, & his shot is getting better.. The crazy part he’s not done growing.. so when the skill catches up boy.. Problems!! #IMCOMING #THEMATCHUP pic.twitter.com/RGxAbavfSC
— Amateur Network (@IMCOMING_INC) November 24, 2022

Jenkins noted that Jermaine O'Neal Jr. is "nowhere close to making a decision."

For now, first-year Duke basketball head coach Jon Scheyer and his cohorts have pinpointed only three 2025 targets with offers. They are five-star power forward Cameron Boozer, five-star small forward Cooper Flagg, and four-star combo guard Cayden Boozer.

Stay tuned to Blue Devil Country for more Duke basketball recruiting updates.

Published Jan 5, 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.