ESPN EXCLUSIVE: NATION’S NO. 1 BASKETBALL STAR STUNS COLLEGE HOOPS WORLD — REVEALS 2 DEEPLY PERSONAL REASONS BEHIND HIS SHOCKING DECISION TO COMMIT TO DUKE OVER KENTUCKY, UNC, AND KANSAS…..READ MORE…

In a move that has instantly shaken the landscape of college basketball, the No. 1 high school basketball player in America has officially committed to Duke University — bypassing blue-blood powerhouses like Kentucky, North Carolina, and Kansas in the process.

Jalen Haralson, a 6’6” five-star forward widely considered the most complete prospect in the 2025 class, made the announcement in an exclusive sit-down with ESPN on Tuesday morning. The commitment immediately sent shockwaves across recruiting circles and fanbases, many of whom expected him to land elsewhere based on previous campus visits and NIL speculation.

But Haralson made it clear — this wasn’t just a basketball decision. It was something far more personal.

“It’s Bigger Than Basketball”

“I had every offer I could have dreamed of,” Haralson told ESPN. “But at the end of the day, I had to choose what felt like home — not just for the player I am today, but the man I want to become.”

According to Haralson, the first major reason for choosing Duke was its emphasis on developing character alongside talent. “When I sat down with Coach Scheyer and the rest of the staff, it wasn’t just about X’s and O’s,” he said. “They talked to me about leadership, legacy, and using my platform the right way. That hit me hard.”

The second reason? Family — and more specifically, his mother.

“My mom has always been my rock. She cried when I told her it was Duke,” he shared. “She grew up watching Coach K’s teams, and even though he’s retired, she believes in what the program stands for. She told me, ‘I see your future there.’ That sealed it.”

Duke Reloads

Haralson’s commitment is a massive win for Duke head coach Jon Scheyer, who continues to prove he can recruit at an elite level even in the post-Coach K era. With Haralson now anchoring the 2025 class, Duke immediately jumps to No. 1 in the national recruiting rankings.

“Jalen is a culture-changing talent,” Scheyer said in a statement. “But more importantly, he’s a young man with tremendous values. We’re thrilled to welcome him to the Brotherhood.”

Haralson averaged 22.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists during his junior year and has drawn comparisons to NBA stars like Jayson Tatum and Jimmy Butler for his combination of physical strength, smooth scoring ability, and defensive toughness.

Fan Reactions and Fallout

News of the commitment set social media ablaze. Duke fans flooded platforms like X (formerly Twitter) with celebratory posts, while fans of rival programs expressed shock and frustration.

“I thought he was a lock for Kentucky. This one hurts,” wrote one Wildcats fan.

Meanwhile, North Carolina and Kansas forums lit up with questions about how their recruiting strategy would pivot after missing out on the nation’s top prospect.

Looking Ahead

With his decision made, Haralson says he’s now focused on leading his high school team to a state title and preparing for life in Durham.

“I know this is just the beginning,” he said. “But I’m ready. Duke is where I’m supposed to be.”