BREAKING: HE COULD’VE GONE TO KENTUCKY OR KANSAS… BUT 5-STAR GUARD MALIK CARTER CHOSE DUKE OVER BOTH — AND HE GAVE TWO BIG REASONS WHY…READ MORE…..

In a major win for Duke basketball, 5-star guard Malik Carter has officially committed to the Blue Devils, turning down offers from both Kentucky and Kansas in what’s being called one of the most pivotal recruiting decisions of the 2025 class.

Carter, a dynamic 6-foot-5 guard from Houston, Texas, is ranked as the No. 3 overall player in the 2025 ESPN 100. Known for his explosive scoring ability, elite court vision, and lockdown defense, Carter made his announcement Monday afternoon on a livestream watched by thousands of college basketball fans.

“I’m choosing Duke,” Carter said, wearing a Blue Devils cap as cheers erupted behind him. “It’s always been about two things for me: development and trust. And Duke gave me both.”

WHY DUKE? TWO REASONS SEALED IT

When asked to explain his decision, Carter didn’t hesitate to point out what separated Duke from the rest.

“Number one, Coach Scheyer believes in me like no other coach did,” Carter said. “He flew out to see me three times this year, watched me when nobody else was around. He told me from the beginning that I wasn’t just another recruit — I was a priority.”

His second reason?

“Duke develops pros,” he said. “Look at what they did with Tyrese Proctor, Dereck Lively, Paolo Banchero. They know how to get you ready for the league, and I trust that process.”

A BATTLE BETWEEN BLUE BLOODS

Carter’s recruitment had long been a fierce competition among college basketball’s biggest names. Kentucky head coach John Calipari and Kansas’ Bill Self both made hard pushes in the final stretch, each offering Carter a chance to lead their backcourt and promising him instant impact opportunities.

At one point, recruiting analysts believed Kentucky had the edge after Carter’s unofficial visit to Lexington in early June. But behind the scenes, Duke’s coaching staff was relentless — building not just a relationship with Carter, but also his family.

“They took time with my mom, my little brother, even my high school coach,” Carter added. “That made a difference.”

WHAT DUKE IS GETTING

With Malik Carter, Duke is getting a ready-made star. During his junior season at Legacy Prep in Houston, he averaged 28.6 points, 7.2 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game. He’s been compared to former NBA All-Star Bradley Beal for his shooting touch and offensive efficiency.

Carter becomes Duke’s first commitment in the 2025 class, but sources close to the program say more could be coming soon — especially with Carter already reaching out to fellow elite recruits like 5-star center Elijah Rowe and top-10 wing Caleb Harmon.

WHAT’S NEXT

Carter is expected to suit up for Team USA in the upcoming U18 FIBA Americas Championship this summer, giving Duke fans a preview of what’s to come.

“Duke is about winning and legacy,” Carter said. “I want to add my name to that story.”

With this commitment, Jon Scheyer and the Blue Devils continue to prove that the new era of Duke basketball is just as powerful as the last.