locked in…. Duke blue devils snags to commit with garlock
In a major win for Duke’s basketball program, Coach Jon Scheyer and his team have officially secured the commitment of three-star center Will Garlock, marking a significant step forward in their recruiting efforts for the future. This news comes after a highly competitive recruiting battle, with some of the nation’s top college basketball programs vying for Garlock’s talents. Despite attracting major offers from prestigious schools like Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State, and Virginia Tech, the 6’10” big man has decided to join the Blue Devils, further solidifying Duke’s stature in the ever-competitive ACC and college basketball at large.
Garlock’s decision to commit to Duke, widely considered one of the best basketball programs in the nation, is seen as a major coup for Scheyer, who has been working tirelessly to maintain and enhance Duke’s recruiting pipeline after the legendary Mike Krzyzewski’s retirement. The addition of Garlock brings immense promise to the future of Duke’s frontcourt. With his physical tools, basketball IQ, and ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor, Garlock looks set to become a key piece in Duke’s efforts to maintain its spot as one of the top programs in the NCAA.
The 3-star recruit from New York has quickly risen in the ranks due to his impressive development over the past year. His commitment is also noteworthy because of the level of competition Duke faced in securing his services. Schools such as Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State, and Virginia Tech had all extended their best offers to Garlock, believing his skills could help elevate their programs in the years to come. Yet, despite the allure of those offers, Garlock made the decision to commit to Duke, signaling his belief in Coach Scheyer’s vision and the culture the Blue Devils are building.
A Star Center with Big-Game Potential
Will Garlock has long been one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2025 recruiting class. Standing at 6’10”, he has the prototypical size to be a force in the paint at the college level. What sets Garlock apart, however, is his combination of athleticism, basketball IQ, and skill set. While he’s still developing as a player, Garlock has shown flashes of brilliance, especially in his defensive abilities and rebounding, as well as his ability to finish plays with authority around the basket.
Known for his work ethic and commitment to improving every aspect of his game, Garlock has already garnered comparisons to some of Duke’s more recent big men. With his frame, mobility, and instincts, Garlock is seen as a potential difference-maker who could contribute immediately on both ends of the floor. His defensive versatility and potential as a rim protector will be assets for Duke, whose defense has been a key part of their success under Scheyer’s leadership.
On the offensive side, Garlock’s game is still evolving, but his presence in the low post and his improving mid-range jumper make him a versatile weapon. He’s known for his ability to finish through contact and his capacity to crash the boards—two areas where he can help Duke significantly. Garlock’s improvement over the past year has made him one of the most sought-after centers in his class, and Duke’s commitment to developing his skills has put them in an excellent position to maximize his potential.
His commitment to Duke is not just about his physical attributes; Garlock also brings with him a basketball IQ that will allow him to adapt to the speed and demands of college basketball quickly. His understanding of spacing, shot selection, and defensive positioning gives him a high ceiling for development at the next level. It’s these attributes that have made him an attractive recruit for a program like Duke, where the emphasis is always on developing well-rounded, intelligent players who can contribute to a cohesive, team-oriented system.
The Recruitment Battle: Ohio State, Michigan, and More
Garlock’s recruitment was anything but straightforward. Despite being a 3-star recruit, his potential caught the attention of many top-tier programs across the country. Schools like Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State, and Virginia Tech had all extended offers to Garlock, signaling their belief in his ability to make an immediate impact at the college level.
Ohio State, with its consistently strong basketball program in the Big Ten, was one of the early contenders in Garlock’s recruitment. The Buckeyes have been known for their ability to develop big men, and they saw Garlock as a key piece for their future. The lure of playing in the Big Ten, a conference known for its physical style of play, was an attractive option for Garlock, who would have been a great fit in Ohio State’s system.
Similarly, Michigan, another powerhouse program from the Big Ten, was also in the mix. The Wolverines have had a rich history of developing frontcourt players, and Garlock would have been a natural fit in their up-tempo, physical style of play. Michigan’s coaching staff was particularly impressed with Garlock’s ability to both defend and score, and they saw him as a player who could thrive in their system.
Penn State, a rising force in the Big Ten, also made a strong push for Garlock. With a coach like Micah Shrewsberry leading the way, Penn State’s basketball program is on the rise, and they hoped to continue that upward trajectory with the addition of a talent like Garlock. The Nittany Lions saw Garlock as a centerpiece for their frontcourt for years to come.
Lastly, Virginia Tech, a school known for its gritty, defensive-minded basketball style, also extended an offer to Garlock. The Hokies’ emphasis on toughness and physicality made them an appealing option for Garlock, who excels in those areas.
Despite these offers from well-established programs, Garlock ultimately chose Duke, a decision that shocked some but made sense in hindsight. The allure of playing for a program with Duke’s rich history, not to mention the opportunity to develop under Coach Scheyer and alongside a team of elite players, proved to be too strong to resist.
Why Duke? The Blue Devils’ Vision for the Future
The decision to commit to Duke signals Garlock’s belief in Coach Jon Scheyer’s vision for the program. Since taking over for legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski, Scheyer has quickly solidified his status as one of the top young coaches in college basketball. His ability to recruit top talent, like Garlock, and his focus on developing well-rounded players who buy into a team-first philosophy has kept Duke competitive at the highest level.
Duke’s success under Coach Scheyer has been a testament to the program’s continued ability to attract and develop high-level talent, even in the post-Krzyzewski era. Garlock’s commitment signals that the program’s reputation for excellence is still intact, and the Blue Devils are once again positioned to challenge for national championships in the coming years.
For Garlock, the chance to play for Duke and compete in the ACC, one of the toughest basketball conferences in the country, will be an invaluable opportunity to showcase his skills on the national stage. Additionally, Duke’s focus on player development and its rich history of producing NBA talent make it an ideal environment for Garlock to reach his full potential.
What Does This Mean for Duke’s Future?
Garlock’s commitment is a huge win for Duke, both in the short and long term. He joins a growing list of top-tier recruits who have chosen to play for Coach Scheyer, further cementing Duke’s position as one of the premier programs in college basketball. The Blue Devils have become a recruiting juggernaut once again, and Garlock’s addition strengthens their future prospects.
In terms of Duke’s immediate needs, Garlock provides the Blue Devils with a versatile, skilled big man who can make an impact on both ends of the floor. His rebounding, shot-blocking, and post moves will help Duke establish dominance in the paint, an area where the Blue Devils have sometimes struggled in recent seasons. As a three-star recruit, Garlock may not have the same instant star power as some of the other players in Duke’s 2025 class, but his ceiling is incredibly high, and his ability to contribute in a variety of ways gives the Blue Devils a significant advantage moving forward.
The Bottom Line: A New Chapter for Duke Basketball
As Duke prepares to enter another exciting season of college basketball, the commitment of Will Garlock is a clear indication that the program is ready to continue its legacy of success. The Blue Devils’ recruiting efforts are stronger than ever, and with Garlock in the fold, Duke has added yet another piece to its championship-contending roster.
For Garlock, the decision to join Duke is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting and transformative journey. The Blue Devils’ fanbase will undoubtedly be watching closely as Garlock continues to develop and contribute to the team, and in the years to come, he could very well become one of the defining players in Duke’s storied history.
