Khaman Maluach wrapped up his freshman season with the Duke Blue Devils in impressive fashion

A highly touted recruit, Maluach played a key role in Duke’s 35–4 campaign, which included an ACC Tournament championship and a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. The Blue Devils defeated Mount St. Mary’s, Baylor, Arizona, and Alabama before falling to Houston in the Final Four.

Following the season, Maluach declared for the 2025 NBA Draft, joining fellow Duke freshmen Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel in making the leap to the next level.

As draft night approaches, Maluach’s stock is gaining serious traction. According to a report from Hoops HQ’s Krysten Peek, the 7-foot-2 center is drawing interest from the San Antonio Spurs — who could see him as a potential frontcourt partner for Victor Wembanyama.

“Another name generating buzz with the Spurs is Maluach,” Peek noted. “Pairing him with Wembanyama could create a new version of the twin towers. There’s definite appeal in developing another young, high-upside big man alongside Wembanyama.”

Peek added that while it would be surprising for the Spurs to select Maluach at No. 2 overall, he remains a real possibility if they explore trading down or look to use their No. 14 pick to move up in the lottery.

Maluach’s versatility and interior presence could be a strong fit for a Spurs team still in rebuilding mode and searching for a postseason breakthrough.

In his lone season at Duke, Maluach averaged 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game, contributing on both ends of the floor with his length and mobility.

The 2025 NBA Draft will be held on June 25 at 8 p.m. ET, with first-round coverage airing live on ABC and ESPN.

Hubert Davis of UNC is still the subject of intense seat speculation.

Talent Isn’t Enough: The Pressure Mounts for Hubert Davis and UNC Basketball

Every great coach needs talent—but how they manage it matters just as much. With NC State’s hiring of Will Wade potentially shifting the Triangle’s power dynamics, Hubert Davis finds himself under a brighter spotlight than ever before.

While Davis has secured major NIL backing and the hiring of new GM Jim Tanner (at $850K annually), skepticism remains about whether he’s gotten enough return from the transfer portal. Despite landing players like Henri Veesaar, Jarin Stevenson, Jonathan Powell, and Luka Bogavac, many wonder if the haul is championship-caliber.

Tactically, Davis may be solid—having learned under Dean Smith and Roy Williams—but his ability to communicate and manage roles has raised concerns. From Caleb Love’s confusion over his role to tension with Elliot Cadeau’s camp, and questions around departures like Ian Jackson and Armando Bacot’s regression, Davis’ people skills appear to be a weakness.

The bigger issue? Athletic Director Bubba Cunningham. He’s already made three polarizing hires: bringing back Mack Brown, signing off on Davis, and reportedly being linked to Bill Belichick for a leadership role. With young, rising coaches at Duke and NC State, pressure on Cunningham is growing.

If Davis doesn’t deliver, UNC might have to do something it hasn’t done in decades—look outside the Carolina “family” for a head coach. Dean Smith himself once said that if Roy Williams declined the job in 2003, they’d pursue Rick Majerus.

Here are some potential coaching candidates if UNC makes a change:

Wes Miller (Cincinnati): Deep UNC ties but underwhelming results.

Todd Golden (Florida): Talented but tainted by off-court controversy.

Nate Oats (Alabama): On-court success, off-court baggage.

Grant McCasland (Texas Tech): Smart, methodical, and long-term potential.

Scott Drew (Baylor): Championship pedigree, hard to lure from Waco.

TJ Otzelberger (Iowa State): Solid coach, but no deep March runs yet.

Mick Cronin (UCLA): Proven, but his style may clash with UNC’s culture.

Russell Turner (UC Irvine): Underrated tactician, knows the ACC.

Mike Morrell (UNC-Asheville): Rising star from within the state.

Eric Olen (New Mexico): Rapidly ascending after UC San Diego success.

Dan Hurley (UConn): The wild card. He’s fiery, brilliant, and seems driven to outdo Duke—making UNC the perfect landing spot if he ever leaves Storrs.

The ultimate wildcard? Fire Cunningham, hire UConn AD David Benedict, and let him bring Hurley with him.

If Davis can’t deliver in Year 5, the future of UNC basketball could look very different—and possibly much bolder.

UNC’s Women’s Basketball program is a strong contender for a Class of 2026 standout.

Courtney Banghart Eyes Long-Term Success as Tar Heels Target Top 2026 Talent

After a strong 2023–24 campaign, Courtney Banghart is already laying the groundwork for the future of North Carolina women’s basketball.

Banghart guided the Tar Heels to an impressive 29-8 overall record and a 13-5 finish in ACC play this past season. Their NCAA Tournament run ended in the Sweet 16, falling in a low-scoring battle to rival Duke, 47–38.

With the offseason now in full swing, UNC is welcoming the No. 5-ranked incoming freshman class, which features standout recruits Taliyah Henderson, Nyla Brooks, and Taissa Quieroz — a trio expected to make an immediate impact this fall.

But Banghart, now entering her seventh season at the helm, isn’t stopping there. She’s actively building toward the future, with her sights set on the 2026 recruiting class — and top-ranked forward Jacy Abii has included North Carolina in her list of 10 finalists, as revealed by On3’s Talia Goodman on X (formerly Twitter).

Abii, a four-star power forward from Frisco, Texas, is being heavily pursued by national powerhouses including UCLA, UConn, Notre Dame, South Carolina, and Duke. According to 247Sports scouting director Brandon Clay, Abii brings a rare mix of size, athleticism, and defensive presence, having contributed to the USA U17 team before suffering a lower leg injury that is expected to keep her sidelined through the upcoming high school season.

UNC’s program has seen meaningful growth under Banghart’s leadership, but the ultimate goal — a national title — remains elusive, with the program’s last championship dating back to 1994.

Still, Banghart’s focus and forward-thinking approach signal her commitment to turning North Carolina into a perennial powerhouse, with elite recruiting at the center of her vision.

A commitment to UNC basketball was made by the top basketball recruits in the class of 2025.

UNC Basketball Reloads with Elite Talent, Lands Top-10 Recruit Caleb Wilson

The North Carolina Tar Heels have added another major piece to their future with a commitment from 5-star forward Caleb Wilson. The 6-foot-9 standout from Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School in Atlanta is ranked No. 6 in the 2025 class and gives UNC a huge boost in the frontcourt.

Incoming Class Highlights

• Caleb Wilson: A versatile 6’9” forward with elite two-way potential.

• Isaiah Denis: Skilled combo guard from Davidson Day (NC), bringing offensive versatility.

• Derek Dixon: Another dynamic combo guard from Gonzaga (D.C.), known for his scoring and quickness.

Transfer Additions to Watch

The Tar Heels aren’t just building through high school recruiting—several key transfers are also on the radar to strengthen the roster:

• Kyan Evans (Colorado State): A crafty shooter and playmaker who adds instant depth.

• Kanon Catchings (BYU): Talented forward planning an official visit to Chapel Hill.

• Tre Holloman (Michigan State): Experienced point guard evaluating UNC as his next destination.

Backcourt Strength Remains a Tar Heel Staple

With several returning veterans and rising stars, UNC’s backcourt is shaping up to be elite:

• RJ Davis: The reigning ACC Player of the Year is back to chase another deep tournament run.

• Elliot Cadeau: Entering year two with sky-high expectations after a promising freshman season.

• Seth Trimble: A tenacious perimeter defender returning after a brief transfer portal entry.

With a mix of top-tier high school talent and experienced transfers, Hubert Davis and the Tar Heels are building a squad capable of contending on the national stage once again.

The top uncommitted basketball recruit switches his commitment to Duke.

In a stunning this decision is a setback to the other schools that had been fighting for the recruit’s commitment, but it solidifies Duke’s status as one of college basketball’s most top teams.

With a combination of seasoned players and intriguing rookies, Duke is once again poised to compete for the national championship in the next season.ng change of events, one of the country’s top uncommitted basketball recruits has decided to reverse their promise and sign with Duke UniThis decisThis decision is a setback to the other schools that had been fighting for the recruit’s commitment, but it solidifies Duke’s status as one of college basketball’s most top teams.

With a combination of seasoned players and intriguing rookies, Duke is once again poised to compete for the national championship in the next season.ion is a setback to the other schools that had been fighting for the recruit’s commitment, but it solidifies Duke’s status as one of college basketball’s most top teams. With a combination of seasoned players and intriguing rookies, Duke is once again poised to compete for the national championship in the next season.versity, sending shockwaves through the college basketball recruiting scene. The player, who had previously committed to another major institution, revealed his choice in a public statement, noting Duke’s successful heritage, great coaching staff, and the opportunity to flourish at one of the country’s most prominent basketball programs.

This switch is a significant victory for Duke, which has long been a collegiate basketball powerhouse, constantly generating NBA-level players and challenging for national titles. Duke has continued to establish itself as a strong force in both recruiting and on-court performance under head coach Jon Scheyer, and this newest pledge further strengthens the program’s reputation.

The recruit, who was highly sought after by colleges around the country, is renowned for his exceptional talent, athleticism, and basketball IQ. Over the last several years, they’ve developed as one of the most sought-after prospects in their class, catching the attention of scouts and coaches alike with their accomplishments in high school tournaments and grassroots basketball events.

The recruit’s decision to withdraw from their previous commitment to Duke came after a lengthy and thorough process of considering all choices. While they had originally committed to another prominent institution, the temptation of playing for Duke, with its illustrious history and the opportunity to play under one of the top coaching staffs in the country, was too much to pass up.

Coach Jon Scheyer, who took over the team following the retirement of famous coach Mike Krzyzewski, has swiftly established himself in recruiting. This move is viewed as a tribute to his ability to retain Duke’s recruiting strength and continue on the great history that Coach K established over decades. Scheyer’s recruiting pitch stresses the development of both on-court talents and off-court character, making Duke an appealing destination for top players eager to advance their careers.

Duke’s recruitment of this athlete also demonstrates the program’s sustained ability to attract elite talent, particularly in the changing environment of college basketball, where the transfer portal and NIL deals have altered the dynamics of recruitment. Duke has added a key element to an already excellent recruiting class by signing this prospect. The acquisition of this athlete is predicted to have an instant influence on the squad, with many predicting that they will be one of the standouts in their rookie year.

This decision is a setback to the other schools that had been fighting for the recruit’s commitment, but it solidifies Duke’s status as one of college basketball’s most top teams. With a combination of seasoned players and intriguing rookies, Duke is once again poised to compete for the national championship in the next season.

In the end, this reversal demonstrates the strong draw of Duke’s legacy, the program’s continuous success, and the possibility it provides for athletes to go to the next level. Both the recruit and the program have a promising future.

Ex-Duke basketball player screams against Crimson Tide.

Mark Mitchell, a former two-year Duke basketball player, led Missouri to a big home win.

Mark Mitchell, a member of Jon Scheyer’s first recruiting class as Duke basketball coach, scored a career-high 31 points to lead the No. 15-ranked Missouri Tigers (20-6, 9-4 SEC) to a 110-98 home victory against the No. 4 Alabama Crimson Tide (21-5, 10-3 SEC) on Wednesday.

In 32 minutes against the Crimson Tide, the 6-foot-8 junior forward from Kansas went 11-for-15 from the field, 1-for-3 from beyond the arc, and 8-for-12 from the charity stripe. He contributed three rebounds and three assists.

Mitchell’s performance came one week after he scored 25 points in an 82-58 home victory over the Oklahoma Sooners.

Mitchell, a former five-star prep, is averaging 13.6 points in 26 games as a full-time starter in his first year with the Tigers, two points better than his Duke basketball sophomore season last season, along with 4.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.2 steals.

He is one of seven 2023-24 Blue Devils that left Durham last year.

This season’s backcourt for Duke basketball is the one the school has always needed to win a national title.

The Blue Devils’ guard play has been exceptional this season, and it is skilled enough to lead Duke to a national title.

Duke basketball (23-3, 15-1 ACC) is 9-1 in its past 10 games, with the one setback coming at Clemson a few Saturdays ago by a score of 77-71, the Blue Devils’ first road and ACC loss of the season.

Over the last ten games, the Blue Devils have averaged over 82 points per game. This season, the program has also assisted on 59% of their made shots, ranking around the top 40 nationally according to KenPom.

But what’s been propelling the Blue Devils during that run has been great backcourt play, and the guard combo of Tyrese Proctor and Sion James is growing into one of the top backcourts in the country, with the makings of a national championship-caliber guard duo.

After a huge collapse in late January, when Proctor averaged only 6.6 points per game on 27.5% shooting from the field in Duke’s final five games of the month, he’s been mentioned as the top guard in the country throughout February.

In Duke’s six February games, Proctor is averaging 17.3 points per game on 52.7% shooting from the field and 47.5% from three. He has scored 20 or more points in two of those games.

His confidence has skyrocketed, and he’s taking advantage of every opportunity the defense provides.

James doesn’t look for his own scoring until it’s there, but his ability to drive to the basket at six-foot-six and 220 pounds makes him an outstanding drive-and-kick passer, and he’s also dominating in the pick-and-roll game.

Over Duke’s previous 10 games, the Tulane transfer guard has 40 assists and only seven turnovers, for a stunning assist-to-turnover ratio of 5.7 to one.

James and Proctor have worked really well together, and since James was introduced into the starting lineup earlier this season, the two have formed one of the most seasoned and intelligent backcourts in the country.

“You talk about the ‘dog mentality’, I think those guys (Proctor and James) have just been competitive and tough, and the rest comes from there,” Duke head coach Jon Scheyer said following Duke’s 106-70 home victory against Stanford last week. “They’ve been really selfless, but they choose their times to be aggressive. I believe we are establishing continuity as our players learn how to play with one another.

Duke’s guard play has been among the best in the country this season, and James and Proctor’s combination of talent, intelligence, and experience oozes the makings of a backcourt capable of leading a young team like this year’s Blue Devils to a national championship in early April.