DUKE’S NEXT BIG THING: Canadian 7-Footer Maxime Meyer Emerges as the Blue Devils’ Top 2026 Target…Read More….

DUKE’S NEXT BIG THING: Canadian 7-Footer Maxime Meyer Emerges as the Blue Devils’ Top 2026 Target…Read More….

Duke basketball’s relentless pursuit of top-tier talent continues — and this time, all eyes are on Maxime Meyer, the towering 7-foot phenom from Canada who’s quickly becoming one of the most talked-about prospects in the 2026 recruiting class. With a mix of size, mobility, and a polished skill set rarely seen in high school big men, Meyer is drawing comparisons to NBA stars and catching the full attention of the Blue Devils’ coaching staff.

Sources close to the Duke program have confirmed that head coach Jon Scheyer and his assistants have been heavily monitoring Meyer’s rise over the past year. After dominating on both ends of the court during international play and grassroots circuits, Meyer’s name has surged to the top of recruiting boards across North America. The Blue Devils are now making their move early — and they’re doing it with purpose.

What separates Meyer from most seven-footers his age is his versatility. He’s not just a rim-protecting presence. Scouts rave about his ability to stretch the floor with a smooth three-point stroke, his soft touch in the midrange, and his ability to handle the ball in transition. On defense, he’s a shot-altering force who can switch onto smaller players without losing balance — a dream fit for Duke’s modern, fast-paced system.

“Maxime has the kind of upside that can completely change a program,” said one recruiting analyst. “He’s got NBA length, elite coordination, and a maturity in his game that’s beyond his years. Duke sees that — and they’re all in.”

The interest is mutual. Meyer has spoken glowingly about Duke’s tradition of developing versatile big men and its reputation as a gateway to the NBA. “It’s hard not to respect what they’ve built,” Meyer told reporters after a recent showcase. “From the culture to the competition, it’s the kind of place that pushes you to your limits. I love that.”

While Duke is far from the only major program in pursuit — with Kentucky, Kansas, UConn, and Michigan also in contact — the Blue Devils appear to be positioning themselves early as a frontrunner. Scheyer’s pitch emphasizes not just Duke’s success on the court, but also the personal development and exposure that come with wearing the Blue and White.

For now, Meyer remains focused on improving his game and representing Canada on the international stage. But make no mistake — the buzz is real. Scouts believe he could be a top-five national prospect by next summer, with the tools to become a one-and-done college star.

If Duke lands him, it would mark yet another major win for Scheyer’s recruiting momentum — proof that the Blue Devils are maintaining their elite status in the post-Krzyzewski era.

One thing’s for certain: Maxime Meyer isn’t just a name to watch. He’s a name that could define Duke’s next great frontcourt era — and his story is only just beginning.