Asa Montgomery made his choice clear on Wednesday. The top-10 senior forward committed to Duke, beating out North Carolina, LSU, and UConn for his services. This move marks the seventh straight year the Blue Devils have landed a top-10 recruit, per ESPN. Montgomery’s decision ends a long recruitment that included official visits to four other major programs. He picked Duke because the staff treated him like a real player from the start.
The 6-foot-7 forward said the visit to Durham felt different than any other. “The Duke visit had a different feeling,” Montgomery told ESPN. He noted that the school has been a dream for him since he was just eight years old. Coach Jon Scheyer built trust by being honest during their talks. “Coach Jon Scheyer kept it real with me from day one,” Montgomery said. “Duke wins, and I can trust him.”
Why Scheyer Won the Race
Scheyer did not just talk about winning. He showed Montgomery exactly how the program works. The coach spent time breaking down the recruit’s game and pointing out small details. Montgomery believes Duke sees him as a special type of athlete, similar to Dame Sarr. “He spent time with me and broke down my game, pointing out little details,” Montgomery said. “They see me as a Dame Sarr -type player.”
The coaching style matches what the recruit wants. Scheyer pushes his team hard in practice while keeping things honest. “In practice, Coach Scheyer keeps it real and pushes the team hard,” Montgomery said. “That’s what I’m looking for.” This approach convinced a player who has dominated on the court and for USA Basketball.
The Stats Behind the Hype
Montgomery brings serious numbers to Duke. He ranked No. 7 overall in the SC Next 100 list. He led the EYCL in scoring last summer with 27.9 points per game. Rebounding averaged 10.2 per game, placing him third overall. During July’s Peach Invitational, his seven-game stats included 24.1 points and 7.0 rebounds.
His international play shows his all-around skill. At the 2026 FIBA U17 World Cup, Montgomery claimed gold for USA Basketball. He averaged 9.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in that tournament. His length is a key tool, with a 6-10 wingspan that helps him defend many positions. “I play with a lot of energy,” Montgomery said. That energy and size make him a perfect fit for the Blue Devils.
This commitment secures Duke’s status as a recruiting powerhouse. They now have a top-10 player for the seventh year in a row. The campus environment also played a big role in the decision. “Duke’s campus is crazy for basketball,” he added. “It’s a beautiful campus.”
Montgomery is expected to be a one-and-done NBA prospect. His arrival adds depth to a class that already looks strong. Other top players like Demarcus Henry and Lewis Uvwo are also expected to commit soon.
