Duke Blue Devils Secure Commitment from Nation's No. 3 Prospect Cameron Williams

DURHAM, NC – November 14, 2025 – The Duke Blue Devils have significantly strengthened their 2026 recruiting class with the commitment of Cameron Williams, a highly-touted 6-foot-11 forward who ranks as the No. 3 overall prospect in the SC NEXT 100. Williams, who publicly announced his decision on Friday, becomes the highest-ranked commit for Duke in the 2026 cycle, signaling a continued era of elite talent acquisition under head coach Jon Scheyer. His choice solidifies Duke’s position within the top 10 of national recruiting rankings, with aspirations still high for a third consecutive No. 1 class.

Williams, hailing from Saint Mary’s High School in Phoenix, Arizona, selected Duke over strong contenders Arizona and Texas, bringing to a close a competitive recruitment process that saw top programs vying for his unique skillset. The decision underscores the appeal of the Duke program, its coaching staff, and its legendary atmosphere, particularly highlighted by Williams’ recent visit to Durham for the annual "Countdown to Craziness" festivities.

During his visit, Williams expressed profound admiration for Coach Scheyer and the fervent fan support characteristic of Cameron Indoor Stadium. "I felt Coach Scheyer was cool, normal and authentic in what he said and did," Williams conveyed to ESPN following his decision. "I watched practice, and I saw he is not a crazy coach but he does get intense. He gets along well with his players. My family felt the same." This insight into Scheyer’s coaching demeanor, blending intensity with strong player relationships, appears to have resonated deeply with Williams and his family, offering a glimpse into the personal connection Scheyer aims to foster with his recruits. The electrifying environment of "Countdown to Craziness" also left a lasting impression. "The energy in that place was crazy, and it truly shows how much support the basketball team has from everyone," he added, acknowledging the unique cultural pull of Duke basketball.

Williams’ profile as a prospect is marked by a blend of size, skill, and mobility that positions him as one of the most versatile players in his class. As the No. 1 power forward nationally, his game statistics from the Adidas 3SSB circuit with the Compton Magic illustrate his comprehensive impact: averaging 15.4 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game. Notably, his offensive game extends beyond the paint, demonstrated by an impressive 37% success rate from beyond the perimeter, showcasing a deft touch for a player of his stature. This shooting accuracy is a critical asset in the modern game, enabling him to stretch defenses and create space for teammates.

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His physical attributes, combined with an advanced skillset, have drawn comparisons to current NBA talents. His fluidity and pace in running the floor are reminiscent of Evan Mobley, the Cleveland Cavaliers’ standout big man, known for his agility and defensive prowess despite his size. Like Mobley, Williams exhibits exceptional agility in confined spaces, a trait that allows him to navigate congested areas of the court with ease. Furthermore, his ability to handle the ball proficiently for a 6-foot-11 player is a significant differentiator, enabling him to initiate offense and contribute to fast breaks. His straight-line drives are characterized by notable mobility and a soft touch around the rim, suggesting a high scoring potential at the collegiate level. At 18 years old, Williams has also been compared to Jaden McDaniels of the Minnesota Timberwolves at the same stage of his development, particularly in terms of his defensive versatility and potential as a two-way player.

Defensively, Williams projects as a highly impactful player due to his switchable nature, capable of guarding multiple positions effectively. His forte lies in rim protection, utilizing his length and timing to alter shots and secure rebounds. His mobility on ball-screens is another key defensive attribute, allowing him to hedge, recover, or switch onto smaller guards without being a liability, a crucial skill in today’s pick-and-roll heavy offenses. This defensive versatility aligns perfectly with the evolving demands of both collegiate and professional basketball, where players who can impact the game on both ends are increasingly valued.

Duke’s coaching staff has articulated a clear developmental pathway for Williams, emphasizing how his attributes align with their strategic vision. "Duke has everything I need to develop. They laid out a detailed plan on how I would fit," Williams stated. "Offensively, they play a five-out system, and they see me on the perimeter using my skill, shooting ability and versatility — but I will go inside when I have the advantage. Defensively, I can switch and protect the rim." This strategic blueprint highlights Duke’s intention to leverage Williams’ perimeter skills in a spaced-out offense, allowing him to operate as a stretch big who can also exploit mismatches in the post. On the defensive end, his ability to switch effectively and protect the basket is central to Scheyer’s scheme, which prioritizes defensive flexibility and elite shot-blocking.

Williams’ commitment marks the third official pledge for Duke in the 2026 recruiting class, further solidifying what is rapidly becoming another elite group of prospects. He joins Bryson Howard, a breakout wing ranked No. 20 nationally, and Maxime Meyer, a promising four-star center. This trio provides a robust foundation across key positions, blending perimeter scoring, interior presence, and versatile athleticism.

The acquisition of Williams underscores a significant trend under Coach Jon Scheyer’s leadership: securing top-tier talent consistently. This marks the third consecutive recruiting cycle in which Scheyer and the Blue Devils have successfully landed a top-three prospect, a testament to his recruiting acumen and the enduring allure of the Duke program. This consistent ability to attract elite high school players ensures a continuous pipeline of talent, maintaining Duke’s competitive edge at the pinnacle of college basketball.

Prior to Williams’ announcement, Duke’s 2026 class was positioned at No. 21 nationally as the early signing period commenced. However, his commitment propels the Blue Devils firmly into the top 10, significantly enhancing the class’s overall profile and potential. The program remains actively engaged with other high-priority targets, with a strategic goal of assembling its third straight No. 1 recruiting class. Among these targets are Deron Rippey Jr., the No. 18 prospect who recently completed an official visit to Durham, and Jordan Smith, the No. 2 overall prospect, who has been a consistent target for Duke and is widely considered a likely spring signee. Should Duke secure commitments from one or both of these remaining targets, the 2026 class would undoubtedly contend for the top spot, reinforcing the program’s long-term dominance.

The commitment of Cameron Williams is not merely a recruiting win; it represents a strategic investment in the future of Duke basketball. His unique blend of size, skill, and defensive versatility positions him to be an immediate impact player and a cornerstone of the Blue Devils’ ambitions for national championships. As Williams transitions from high school to the collegiate level, his development within Duke’s system will be closely watched, with expectations of him fulfilling his immense potential and contributing to the program’s storied legacy.