BREAKING: ESPN 100 Forward Sebastian Wilkins Commits to Duke, Reclassifies to 2025 Class…Read More….

BREAKING: ESPN 100 Forward Sebastian Wilkins Commits to Duke, Reclassifies to 2025 Class…Read More….

DURHAM, N.C. — Duke basketball has landed another major recruiting victory, and Jon Scheyer’s momentum on the trail continues to surge. On Saturday, five-star ESPN 100 forward Sebastian Wilkins announced his commitment to the Blue Devils and revealed he will reclassify to the 2025 recruiting class, giving Duke one of the most versatile and intriguing frontcourt additions in the country.

Wilkins, previously slated for the 2026 class, has long been regarded as one of the most polished two-way wings in high school basketball. At 6-foot-8 with elite defensive instincts, fluid athleticism, and a rapidly expanding perimeter game, he has been praised as a modern NBA-style forward whose ceiling remains sky-high. Duke had been in pursuit for months, but the reclassification — and the timing — elevated Saturday’s announcement into one of the biggest recruiting stories of the year.

“Duke has always been a dream,” Wilkins said in his statement. “Coach Scheyer believes in my development, and I believe in the vision he has for the program. I’m ready to compete at the highest level and help Duke chase championships.”

A Perfect Fit for Scheyer’s System

Wilkins’ commitment underscores a growing theme in Duke’s recruiting strategy under Scheyer: positional size, defensive versatility, and unselfish offensive playmakers. With the staff placing a premium on wings who can switch across multiple positions, initiate offense, and guard elite scorers, Wilkins checks every box.

Assistant coaches Jai Lucas and Chris Carrawell were instrumental in the relationship-building process, emphasizing Wilkins’ ability not only to contribute immediately but to become a centerpiece of Duke’s evolving identity.

“Sebastian is the kind of player who changes winning,” a Duke staff source said. “He’s tough, he’s long, he’s skilled, and he embraces competition. Those are the guys you build great teams around.”

What the Reclassification Means

Reclassifying to 2025 accelerates Wilkins’ development arc and places him on track to be part of one of the most anticipated Duke classes in years. With projected early entries potentially leaving roster openings and the Blue Devils reloading talent each offseason, Wilkins’ arrival could be perfectly timed.

“This wasn’t about rushing,” Wilkins’ high school coach noted. “He’s academically ready, physically ready, and mentally locked in. The move to 2025 just makes sense for him and his goals.”

For Duke, the addition provides roster flexibility and another elite piece for Scheyer as he continues to blend young stars with veterans through both recruiting and the transfer portal.

A Statement to the Rest of College Basketball

Wilkins’ decision adds to Duke’s already strong national perception as the premier destination for top-tier forwards. After recent classes featuring elite prospects like Cooper Flagg, Khaman Maluach, and Patrick Ngongba II, the Blue Devils are reinforcing the message that Durham remains the epicenter of forward development in college basketball.

With Wilkins now officially in the fold, Duke’s 2025 class vaults into national contention for the No. 1 spot — and Scheyer’s recruiting momentum shows no signs of slowing.

As one rival ACC assistant put it:

“Duke isn’t just winning recruiting battles… they’re building a dynasty.”