𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗸𝗲-𝗨𝗽: 𝗧𝗼𝗽 𝗔𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗸𝗲𝘁𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗼𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗗𝘂𝗸𝗲 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗲𝘅𝗮𝘀, 𝗧𝗲𝗻𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗮𝗻
In a significant development for college basketball recruiting, Duke University has secured a commitment from Shelton Henderson, the top-ranked high school basketball player in Texas. Henderson chose the Blue Devils over other prominent programs, including Texas, Tennessee, and Michigan, marking a notable victory for Duke’s 2025 recruiting class.
Shelton Henderson: A Game-Changing Commitment
Shelton Henderson, a 6-foot-6, 220-pound small forward from Bellaire High School in Houston, Texas, is widely regarded as one of the premier prospects in the 2025 class. His decision to commit to Duke over other top-tier programs underscores the Blue Devils’ continued prowess in attracting elite talent.
Henderson’s commitment adds to an already impressive 2025 recruiting class for Duke, which includes the highly touted Boozer twins, Cameron and Cayden, and forward Nikolas Khamenia. This group is poised to maintain Duke’s competitive edge in the coming seasons.
Why Henderson Chose Duke
In discussing his decision, Henderson cited the program’s strong track record of developing NBA-ready players and the coaching staff’s belief in his potential. “I chose Duke because they believe in me,” Henderson said. “The pipeline is so deep with who they have sent to the NBA, and I think they could also get me there.”
Henderson also highlighted the influence of assistant coach Jai Lucas, a fellow Bellaire High School alumnus, in his recruitment. “Coach Scheyer believed in me,” Henderson said. “I really thank him and coach Jai Lucas. He’s been recruiting me. He’s from here, went to the same high school as me. So we have that connection already, and I really appreciate them.”
Impact on Duke’s Recruiting Class
With Henderson’s commitment, Duke’s 2025 recruiting class is shaping up to be one of the nation’s best. The class features:
- Cameron Boozer: A 6-foot-9 power forward ranked No. 2 nationally.
- Cayden Boozer: A 6-foot-5 point guard ranked No. 21 nationally.
- Nikolas Khamenia: A forward from Harvard-Westlake High School in Los Angeles.
- Shelton Henderson: The top-ranked player in Texas.
This group represents head coach Jon Scheyer’s third No. 1 recruiting class in four years, solidifying Duke’s position as a powerhouse in college basketball recruiting.
Looking Ahead
Henderson’s commitment not only bolsters Duke’s roster for the 2025-26 season but also sends a strong message to other top recruits about the program’s continued excellence. As the Blue Devils prepare for the upcoming seasons, the addition of Henderson and his fellow recruits positions them for sustained success on the national stage.
