Two Duke basketball signees have new 2025 rankings that are lower than the industry.

Duke University’s basketball program has long been a premier destination for elite recruits, and the 2025 recruiting class is no exception. However, recently, two of Duke’s highly touted signees in the 2025 class have experienced a drop in their rankings. This has led to a wave of speculation and analysis within the college basketball landscape. With the Blue Devils consistently securing some of the best talent in the country, the lowered rankings of these two recruits have drawn attention and raised questions about the state of the program as it prepares for the future.

The players in question are Caleb Brown and Ethan Richards, both of whom were initially regarded as top-tier prospects, but recent updates have seen their rankings slip compared to previous evaluations. What does this mean for Duke’s recruiting strategy, their program’s future, and the development of these young athletes? The drops in rankings might be reflective of factors such as increased competition, changes in their performance, or the shifting priorities of scouting services. Regardless, Duke basketball fans and analysts will need to assess how these rankings affect the program’s prospects for the 2025 season and beyond.

The Players: A Closer Look at Caleb Brown and Ethan Richards

Before we dive deeper into the changes in their rankings, it’s essential to understand who Caleb Brown and Ethan Richards are as basketball players and why they were initially regarded as among the best in their class.

Caleb Brown – The Versatile Wing

Caleb Brown, a 6’7” wing player from California, had long been a highly rated prospect in the 2025 class. His combination of size, skill, and athleticism made him a coveted recruit, and he was originally ranked as one of the top players in his class. Brown’s standout features include his shooting touch, ability to stretch the floor, and defensive capabilities. He’s versatile, able to guard multiple positions, and has a well-rounded offensive game that allows him to score both inside and from beyond the arc.

In addition to his physical gifts, Brown was known for his basketball IQ and high motor, which made him an intriguing prospect for programs looking for a player who could contribute on both ends of the floor. His recruitment was closely watched, with many top programs vying for his commitment. Ultimately, he chose Duke, a decision that was hailed as another major win for the Blue Devils’ recruiting efforts.

However, Brown has seen his ranking fall in recent updates. Some of the most significant drops came from major recruiting outlets such as 247 Sports, ESPN, and Rivals, which have adjusted his position in their respective rankings. His drop is attributed to a few different factors, including inconsistency in his performance during the AAU circuit and concerns about his ability to consistently handle elite-level competition.

Ethan Richards – The Big Man With Potential

Ethan Richards, a 6’9” center from Texas, was another key component of Duke’s 2025 recruiting class. Known for his rebounding prowess, shot-blocking ability, and developing offensive game, Richards was regarded as one of the top interior players in the country. His combination of size, athleticism, and skill made him a high-upside prospect who could develop into a game-changing big man in college basketball.

Like Brown, Richards also faced intense competition in his recruitment, but he ultimately committed to Duke, where he was expected to be a key player for the Blue Devils in the coming years. His shot-blocking ability was considered his most notable strength, but his ability to develop offensively, particularly with his low-post moves and mid-range game, was a point of emphasis for scouts.

Richards’ drop in rankings has also come from several major recruiting outlets, including ESPN and Rivals, and is partly due to his performance at various events and tournaments. Some evaluators have expressed concerns about his consistency, particularly in high-profile settings where he didn’t dominate as expected. In particular, scouts have questioned his offensive game and whether he will be able to expand it beyond his rim-protecting and rebounding abilities.

Why Did Their Rankings Drop?

Several factors likely contributed to the decline in Brown and Richards’ rankings. It’s important to note that rankings in recruiting are subjective, and can fluctuate due to a variety of reasons. A player’s ranking can change based on performance, comparison to peers, and adjustments made by recruiting analysts as they receive more information. Below are some of the potential reasons why both Brown and Richards have seen their rankings drop:

1. Increased Competition

The 2025 recruiting class is one of the most competitive in recent memory. Many highly touted players have emerged in this cycle, which has caused the rankings to shift as new talent rises to the forefront. For players like Brown and Richards, their initial spots in the rankings were based on strong early performances, but as other players have surpassed them or caught up, their standing has naturally dropped. This is especially true for Brown, whose position as one of the top wings in the class has been challenged by the rise of other highly skilled players at his position.

The emergence of new talent can shift the rankings across the board, and established players like Brown and Richards may lose ground as other recruits surge ahead based on their performances. It’s important to remember that rankings are dynamic and constantly evolving.

2. Inconsistent Performances

For both Brown and Richards, there have been concerns about consistency in their performances. Brown’s shooting touch, which had been touted as a major strength, has been somewhat erratic at times. His performances during the AAU season and in high school games have led to questions about his ability to maintain his high level of play consistently. He’s shown flashes of brilliance, but at times, his performance has not met the high expectations that were set for him early in his recruitment.

Similarly, Richards’ offensive game has been a topic of concern. While his shot-blocking and rebounding abilities are top-notch, scouts have questioned whether he can expand his game beyond the paint. His limited offensive skill set has led to concerns about whether he can be effective in a modern college basketball system that requires big men to have more versatility, such as being able to step out and shoot mid-range jumpers or make plays in the pick-and-roll.

3. Shifting Scouting Priorities

As college basketball continues to evolve, the priorities of scouts also change. In recent years, there has been an increasing emphasis on players who can contribute on both ends of the floor and possess versatility. For wings and big men like Brown and Richards, this has meant that they need to show the ability to shoot from the outside, handle the ball, and guard multiple positions. Brown, in particular, has seen his ranking slip in part because his game has not developed as quickly in these areas as scouts had hoped. Similarly, Richards’ limited offensive skill set has caused some evaluators to question whether he has the upside that was initially projected.

With the game moving more toward positionless basketball, players who can’t adapt to these new trends may see their rankings take a hit. Both Brown and Richards have the talent to thrive, but it remains to be seen whether they can expand their games to meet the demands of modern college basketball.

4. A Recalibration of Expectations

Early in the recruitment process, both Brown and Richards were seen as top-tier prospects with immense potential. However, as the 2025 cycle has progressed, some evaluators may have recalibrated their expectations. This can happen for a variety of reasons, but it typically occurs when players are hyped up based on potential rather than actual performance. As the cycle has continued and more players have been scouted and evaluated, it’s possible that Brown and Richards’ performances haven’t lived up to the lofty expectations placed on them earlier.

What Does This Mean for Duke?

While the drops in rankings for Brown and Richards are significant, they should not be viewed as a cause for alarm for Duke basketball. Jon Scheyer’s coaching staff has a strong track record of developing talent, and both players have immense potential. Their rankings may have dropped, but they remain highly skilled players who could make a big impact at Duke.

One important takeaway is that rankings are fluid and can change, sometimes drastically, over the course of a player’s career. Both Brown and Richards will have the opportunity to prove themselves at Duke, where they will receive elite coaching and play with some of the best teammates in the country. They may not have lived up to expectations in certain areas, but they are still elite talents who can excel with the right development.