Waukee’s 6-8, 215-pound power forward will join Duke Nation after Auburn and Tennessee
Waukee’s 6-foot-8, 215-pound power forward has become one of the most talked-about prospects in the country, and for good reason. His commitment to Duke, announced after a hard-fought recruitment battle that included Auburn and Tennessee, marks a pivotal moment for both the player and the Blue Devils’ program. This decision not only reflects his personal aspirations but also speaks to the strategic efforts of the Duke coaching staff, who saw in him a player capable of making a significant impact on both ends of the floor. The journey to Durham wasn’t without its twists. Auburn came in strong with its established SEC reputation, offering a fast-paced system that would have highlighted his athleticism and physicality. Tennessee countered with a strong pitch centered around development and defense, areas where the Waukee star has already shown great promise. But in the end, it was Duke’s tradition, the allure of Cameron Indoor Stadium, and the mentorship under Coach Jon Scheyer that sealed the deal.
From the beginning, the power forward’s skill set was evident. A rare combination of size, strength, and skill, he dominated at the high school level with an assertiveness that’s difficult to teach. He’s not just a post player who relies on brute strength; he has touch around the rim, a developing mid-range jumper, and the mobility to guard multiple positions. It’s this versatility that made him such a coveted target during the recruiting process. Duke saw not only a strong rebounder and interior scorer but a modern forward who could stretch the floor, switch defensively, and play in multiple lineups. His AAU performances only reinforced these attributes. Going up against top national competition, he consistently showed up with intensity and production. Whether it was grabbing key rebounds, running the floor in transition, or battling in the post, he played with a motor that never seemed to stop. His defensive instincts stood out — he closed out well on shooters, rotated effectively, and wasn’t afraid to mix it up physically. For a program like Duke that emphasizes intensity and IQ, his fit was obvious.
What makes this commitment even more notable is how it aligns with Duke’s broader recruiting strategy in recent years. Since taking over, Coach Scheyer has made it a point to blend one-and-done talent with multi-year players who bring toughness and cohesion. This forward fits that mold perfectly. While he has the talent to potentially leap to the NBA in a short time, he also possesses the foundational aspects — work ethic, maturity, and coachability — that make him a valuable asset in college basketball. There’s a sense that he’s coming to Durham not just to showcase himself, but to win, develop, and be part of something bigger. That mindset is something Scheyer and the Duke staff value highly. The Blue Devils have often thrived with players who embrace the culture and competition that comes with wearing that jersey. In this recruit, they see someone who’s already built for that environment.
Another element that can’t be overlooked is his leadership and presence. At Waukee, he wasn’t just a standout player; he was a leader on and off the court. Teammates gravitated toward him. Coaches praised his attitude, his willingness to put in extra work, and his ability to elevate those around him. Those traits can be just as valuable as physical tools, especially in a program with high expectations like Duke. The ACC is as competitive as ever, and Duke will be looking to return to dominance, not just with talent but with chemistry. The Waukee forward’s addition brings both. He’s the kind of player who can guard a bruising big one night and switch onto a quicker wing the next. Offensively, he’ll be a factor in pick-and-rolls, as a cutter, and even as a secondary ball-handler in transition. He reads the game well and doesn’t force things, which is rare for a player with his physical gifts. It’s the combination of power and poise that separates him.
From a development standpoint, his ceiling remains incredibly high. With a collegiate strength and conditioning program, and under the guidance of Duke’s player development staff, he’s expected to improve his outside shot and refine his handle. That would make him even more dangerous, perhaps pushing him into the “positionless” category that NBA scouts crave. There’s already chatter among pro circles about his potential trajectory. While he’s not the flashiest name in the class, those who’ve watched him closely see a prospect with as much upside as anyone. The physical foundation is there, the mentality is there, and now the platform at Duke will give him every chance to evolve into an elite player.
For fans, his commitment comes with a lot of excitement. Social media lit up the moment the announcement dropped, with Duke Nation welcoming him with open arms. The coaching staff didn’t waste any time either. They’ve been building a class around toughness, two-way ability, and basketball IQ, and this latest addition fits seamlessly into that blueprint. It’s clear that the Blue Devils are looking to return to their identity — a mix of high-level skill, competitiveness, and winning culture. Adding a player who’s already shown that he values team success over personal accolades is a huge step in that direction.
Waukee has produced high-level talent before, but few have had this kind of spotlight. For the community, this commitment is a proud moment — a testament to the coaches, mentors, and supporters who’ve helped mold him into the player and person he is today. His path from Iowa to the national stage reflects the growing reach of basketball talent in regions that were once considered off the recruiting radar. He’s become proof that elite players can come from anywhere, as long as the work ethic and drive are there. For young players coming up in the Midwest, his story is already inspiring. For Duke, he’s not just another recruit — he’s a building block.
As the upcoming college basketball season approaches, all eyes will be on how the freshman class integrates, and this 6-8 power forward will be a major part of that conversation. Fans can expect to see him early and often. His rebounding and defense will earn him minutes right away, and as his offensive game continues to expand, he’ll likely become a focal point in Duke’s system. Whether starting or coming off the bench initially, his impact will be felt. The matchups in the ACC will be fierce, but his physicality, effort, and attitude give him an edge. He doesn’t back down, and that’s the kind of mentality that wins in March.
The commitment also sends a message to future recruits: Duke remains a top destination for players who want the best of all worlds — elite competition, national exposure, and preparation for the next level. The recruiting battles will continue, but this win over Auburn and Tennessee shows that Duke can still close on top-tier talent even in a more competitive landscape. NIL opportunities, conference realignments, and coaching changes have made recruiting more complex than ever. But in this case, the pitch was clear and compelling. Duke didn’t just sell him on tradition; they sold him on a vision for his future, both as a player and as a person.
His family played a key role throughout the process, emphasizing fit and development over flash. They visited campuses, asked tough questions, and made sure that their son was choosing a place where he could grow on and off the court. Duke checked every box. The coaching staff didn’t just talk about basketball — they talked about character, about mentorship, and about life after the game. That resonated. It’s a reminder that behind every commitment is a village — parents, siblings, coaches, and mentors who help guide a young athlete through one of the biggest decisions of their life. This wasn’t just a basketball decision. It was a life decision.
Looking ahead, expectations will be high. That comes with the territory at Duke. But those who know him best believe he’s ready. He’s always thrived under pressure, and he embraces the challenge of proving himself. His work ethic is well-documented — early morning workouts, late-night film sessions, constant communication with coaches. He wants to be great, and he understands that greatness is earned, not given. In Durham, he’ll be surrounded by like-minded individuals. That kind of environment can only elevate him further. He won’t be alone, either. The incoming class features other top-tier recruits who bring different skill sets, and together, they form a group with serious potential. If things click, they could make a deep run in the NCAA tournament and possibly contend for a national title.
No one player can do it all, but this power forward from Waukee brings a rare blend of tools that can change games. He’s a tone-setter, the kind of guy who makes hustle plays, who brings energy, who doesn’t care about the box score as long as the team wins. That’s why Duke wanted him. That’s why fans are excited. And that’s why the rest of college basketball should be paying attention. Because when a player like this chooses a program like Duke, it’s about more than talent. It’s about belief — in the program, in the vision, and in himself. And now that belief will be tested under the brightest lights, in one of the most storied arenas in the game. But if his track record tells us anything, it’s that he won’t just survive. He’ll thrive.
