Dwayne Wimbley Jr. Commits to Duke Basketball, Vows to Make Florida ‘Pay

Dwayne Wimbley Jr. Commits to Duke Basketball, Vows to Make Florida ‘Pay’

In a major turning point for the 2025 college basketball recruiting class, Dwayne Wimbley Jr., one of the most highly touted high school prospects in the nation, made headlines with his commitment to Duke University. The 6-foot-8 forward, who has been a dominant force on the high school circuit, made his pledge to the Blue Devils after months of speculation and recruitment from several powerhouse programs. With his commitment, Wimbley has not only solidified his future at one of the most prestigious basketball programs in the country, but he has also ignited an interesting narrative surrounding his recruitment, particularly his comments about Florida—one of his top choices—where he vowed to “make Florida pay.”

Wimbley’s decision to commit to Duke came after a whirlwind recruitment process that included intense competition from various schools, including Florida, North Carolina, Kentucky, and Kansas. His final choice, however, was a reflection of his admiration for Duke’s tradition, coaching staff, and the program’s ability to develop players who thrive on the biggest stages.

The Recruiting Battle

Dwayne Wimbley Jr. was a coveted prospect from the moment he first picked up a basketball. Growing up in Miami, Florida, Wimbley had always been a force on the court, playing against some of the best competition in the country. His mix of athleticism, basketball IQ, and versatility made him a nightmare for opposing defenders. By the time he reached his junior year of high school, Wimbley was already ranked as one of the top 10 players in the nation. His combination of size, skill, and physicality made him an ideal forward for any program looking to build a championship contender.

Florida, his home state’s flagship program, was initially one of the favorites to land Wimbley. Head coach Todd Golden and his staff worked tirelessly to recruit the highly rated forward, hoping to bring a top-tier prospect to Gainesville. The Gators’ efforts were not without merit, as Wimbley had long been an admirer of the program’s success in the SEC. Florida, historically one of the strongest teams in the Southeastern Conference, had been a top contender in the recruitment of several elite players, and Wimbley seemed to be a natural fit in their system.

But as the recruiting process wore on, Wimbley made it clear that he was looking for more than just the comfort of playing close to home. The desire to elevate his game to the next level and compete for national championships weighed heavily in his decision. Duke, with its storied legacy and the appeal of Coach Jon Scheyer, emerged as a dominant contender. Scheyer, who took over the head coaching position after the retirement of legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski, quickly proved he could build on the foundation laid by his predecessor.

The Blue Devils had already secured commitments from some of the top players in the class, and the opportunity to join that group proved irresistible to Wimbley. Not only did the chance to play for a national powerhouse appeal to him, but Wimbley also saw Duke as the best place to develop his game and prepare for the NBA. His decision was made even easier after spending time with the Duke coaching staff, who emphasized their commitment to player development and the resources they had in place to help players reach their fullest potential.

As Wimbley took the next steps in his recruitment, it became clear that he would be one of the focal points of Duke’s efforts to return to national prominence. His decision to commit to the Blue Devils was a major victory for the program, as it secured a player who could make an immediate impact on both ends of the floor.

The Florida Controversy

While Wimbley’s commitment to Duke was celebrated by Blue Devils fans, it did not come without controversy, particularly with regards to his comments about Florida. During his press conference announcing his decision, Wimbley made waves when he stated, “I’m going to make Florida pay for not making me their priority.”

The comment immediately caught the attention of the college basketball world, and especially Gators fans. While many saw Wimbley’s remarks as a lighthearted jab, others interpreted them as a direct slight toward the Florida program, which had worked tirelessly to land the highly sought-after forward.

The statement stemmed from a frustration Wimbley had expressed throughout the recruiting process. While Florida was in the mix for much of his recruitment, Wimbley felt that the program did not show him the level of dedication and focus that he expected from a top-tier school. Despite the Gators’ strong efforts, they ultimately fell short in securing his commitment, which left Wimbley feeling slighted. His vow to “make Florida pay” seemed to echo that frustration, and it added a layer of intrigue to an already intense recruitment.

In the weeks following his commitment, many fans and analysts speculated that Wimbley’s comment about Florida could fuel some rivalry tensions down the line. Florida fans were quick to take to social media, calling out Wimbley for his remarks and vowing that their team would be ready to face Duke, should the two programs meet on the court.

While some saw Wimbley’s words as a motivational tool and a sign of his competitive nature, others questioned whether it was wise to publicly target a program that had invested so much time in his recruitment. Regardless of the intent, his comment was a clear indication of his fierce determination and the chip on his shoulder heading into his college career.

The Impact on Duke’s Program

Dwayne Wimbley Jr.’s commitment to Duke is not only a win for the Blue Devils on the recruiting trail, but it also signals the start of what could be an exciting era for the program. Duke, under the leadership of Coach Jon Scheyer, has quickly re-established itself as a force in college basketball, and Wimbley’s addition strengthens their already impressive roster.

With Wimbley’s ability to score at all three levels, defend multiple positions, and be a presence in the paint, he is the kind of versatile forward that every coach dreams of having. His skills as both an offensive and defensive threat will make him a matchup nightmare for opposing teams. Duke fans can expect to see Wimbley immediately contribute as a freshman, and he could be one of the focal points of their offense from day one.

Wimbley’s versatility also allows Duke to utilize him in various lineups, giving Scheyer the flexibility to adjust his strategies depending on the opponent. Whether he’s playing as a stretch forward, a traditional power forward, or even as a small ball center, Wimbley’s ability to impact the game in multiple ways will make him a key piece of Duke’s national championship aspirations.

In addition to his on-court skills, Wimbley’s competitive edge and fiery attitude will bring a new level of intensity to the program. His willingness to embrace the challenge of playing at a high level, particularly in the ACC, will motivate his teammates and elevate the overall talent of the Blue Devils. If Wimbley can harness his energy and channel it into his performance, he could become a major force in college basketball.

The Future of Florida-Duke Matchups

As if the rivalry between Duke and Florida wasn’t already compelling, Wimbley’s comments have added a new layer of drama to potential future matchups. Should the two teams face each other in the NCAA Tournament or in the regular season, the game is sure to be one of the most highly anticipated matchups of the year. The narrative surrounding Wimbley’s vow to “make Florida pay” will undoubtedly be a talking point in the buildup to any such contest.

Florida, still a strong program with a talented roster, will likely be motivated to prove Wimbley wrong and show that they were the right choice for his talents. Coach Todd Golden and his staff will undoubtedly use Wimbley’s remarks as bulletin board material, hoping to turn the rivalry into a major storyline. Meanwhile, Wimbley and his Duke teammates will embrace the challenge, looking to show that their decision to snub Florida was the right one.