Blue Devils in Hot Pursuit: Duke Sets Sights on Elite Shooting Guard Prospect Austin Goosby

When Duke basketball sets its sights on a player, the college basketball world takes notice. That’s exactly what’s happening with Austin Goosby, the elite shooting guard from California who has quickly emerged as one of the top prospects in the 2026 recruiting class. Over the past few months, Goosby’s stock has skyrocketed thanks to his effortless scoring ability, dynamic athleticism, and the kind of confidence that screams future NBA star. Now, the Duke Blue Devils are making a hard push to add him to their tradition-rich program.

And they’re not alone — blue bloods across the country are battling for Goosby’s signature. But sources close to the recruitment suggest Duke is positioning itself as a serious, if not leading, contender.

Austin Goosby isn’t your typical five-star guard. Standing at 6-foot-5 with a wingspan pushing 6-foot-8, Goosby combines the length of an elite defender with the smooth offensive repertoire of a seasoned pro. His game is built on a strong foundation of fundamentals — crisp footwork, deadly shooting mechanics, high basketball IQ — but what separates him from most top prospects is his poise.

While many young stars rely on athleticism alone, Goosby’s maturity sets him apart. His midrange game is surgical, his deep three-point shot almost mechanical in its consistency, and he shows rare patience when navigating pick-and-roll situations. Scouts praise his ability to impact a game without forcing shots or losing composure.

“He’s got some Devin Booker in him,” one NBA scout said recently. “But honestly, the way he controls pace reminds me a little bit of CJ McCollum coming out of Lehigh — just smarter, sharper, more polished for his age.”

Now ranked firmly inside the top 10 of the 2026 class by every major recruiting outlet, Goosby has gone from local phenom to national priority.

For Duke head coach Jon Scheyer, recruiting Austin Goosby isn’t just about adding another five-star talent — it’s about fit.

Goosby embodies everything Duke basketball wants in its next era: versatility, selflessness, and the ability to thrive both on and off the ball. Under Scheyer, the Blue Devils have increasingly leaned into players who can dribble, pass, and shoot, blurring traditional positional lines. Goosby checks every box.

“Coach Scheyer’s system really fits my game,” Goosby said in a recent interview. “They play fast, but it’s not wild. They value ball movement. They play with intelligence. I love that.”

Goosby also emphasized Duke’s player development track record. From Kyrie Irving to RJ Barrett to recent standouts like Paolo Banchero, Duke has consistently turned top prospects into lottery picks — and NBA-ready contributors. For Goosby, who has professional aspirations, Duke’s NBA pipeline is a major selling point.

“They develop pros,” he said bluntly. “And that matters.”

Landing Goosby won’t be easy, even for a powerhouse like Duke. Programs like Kentucky, Kansas, and UCLA are all heavily involved. Kentucky’s John Calipari has already made multiple visits. Kansas is pitching Goosby on following in the footsteps of stars like Gradey Dick and Ochai Agbaji. And UCLA offers the appeal of staying close to home.

Still, early indications suggest that Duke is in strong position. Goosby visited Durham unofficially in March and came away impressed by the facilities, the coaching staff’s energy, and the university’s broader academic reputation.

“I didn’t just feel like a basketball player at Duke,” Goosby said. “I felt like a student, a person.”

An official visit is reportedly being scheduled for this fall, likely during a major home game when Cameron Indoor Stadium is at its loudest and rowdiest — a classic Duke recruiting tactic.

Scheyer and his staff are also pushing hard with a full-court press on Goosby’s inner circle. Sources say assistant coaches have built strong relationships with Goosby’s family, emphasizing trust, transparency, and a clear vision for his development.

Breaking down Goosby’s strengths shows exactly why Duke is going after him so aggressively:

• Shooting Range: Goosby can stretch the floor comfortably out to NBA three-point range. His release is quick, his mechanics are repeatable, and he shoots well both off the catch and off the dribble.
• Off-the-Ball Movement: Goosby isn’t just a standstill shooter. He excels at reading defenses, making sharp cuts, and relocating to create open looks.
• Playmaking: Though listed as a shooting guard, Goosby has shown the ability to run the offense when needed. His vision and decision-making are above average for his age.
• Defense: With his length and anticipation, Goosby can guard multiple positions. He takes pride in locking down opponents, something Scheyer values highly.
• Basketball IQ: Coaches and scouts rave about Goosby’s understanding of spacing, timing, and shot selection.

In short, he’s the kind of player who can star and make his teammates better — a rare combination.

Landing Goosby would continue the strong momentum Jon Scheyer has built on the recruiting trail. In his first few years after taking over for Mike Krzyzewski, Scheyer has proved he can recruit at an elite level. He’s already landed multiple top-10 classes, showing an ability to connect with modern players while maintaining the tradition that makes Duke special.

Adding Goosby would send a message that Duke isn’t just surviving post-Coach K — it’s thriving.

“Coach Scheyer is different from a lot of coaches I’ve talked to,” Goosby said. “He’s real. He’s competitive. He knows what he’s doing.”

Goosby is in no rush to make a decision. He plans to take several official visits before narrowing down his list, likely sometime during his senior season.

Recruiting insiders expect a decision either late in the winter or early in the spring of 2026, giving programs ample time to make their best pitches. But with each visit, each conversation, and each impression, Duke seems to be gaining ground.

The Blue Devils are playing the long game — and it might pay off.

“I’m just looking for the right fit,” Goosby said. “The right place to grow.”

Duke fans, take note: the chase for Austin Goosby is on, and the Blue Devils are firmly in the race.

Austin Goosby’s skill set invites lofty comparisons, but there are a few players that come to mind when breaking down his potential trajectory:

• Devin Booker: The smooth shooting stroke, the polished footwork, and the ability to take over games offensively.
• CJ McCollum: The cerebral approach, the midrange mastery, and the ability to handle point guard duties if needed.
• Bradley Beal: The balance between athleticism and finesse, as well as the professional mindset at a young age.

If Goosby continues developing at his current pace, he could carve out a similar type of NBA career — first starring in college, then making an immediate impact at the next level.

For Duke, recruiting Austin Goosby isn’t just about landing another five-star recruit. It’s about sending a message to the rest of college basketball: Duke remains an apex predator in recruiting, with or without Coach K on the sidelines.

Landing Goosby would be a coup on several fronts:

• National Reach: Securing a California star would show Duke’s reach is truly national.
• Future Building: Goosby could be the cornerstone of a team with championship potential.
• NBA Pipeline: Another NBA-ready star would only reinforce Duke’s standing with future recruits.

It would also be a reminder that Jon Scheyer isn’t just maintaining the house Coach K built — he’s building his own extension, brick by brick.

The next few months will be critical. Other programs will make their best pitches. But Duke’s tradition, vision, and genuine approach seem to resonate deeply with Goosby.

In recruiting, as in basketball, it’s not always the flashiest play that wins — it’s the smartest. Duke is playing this pursuit with patience, precision, and purpose.

And if they land Austin Goosby, it could be the beginning of another championship-caliber era at Cameron Indoor.