Duke Basketball’s Jon Scheyer targets Texas guard Austin Goosby, aiming to bolster his roster with elite talent.

Since Jon Scheyer took over as head coach of the Duke Blue Devils, he has been laser-focused on maintaining Duke’s status as a powerhouse in college basketball. A key part of his strategy has been aggressive recruiting of elite talent who can contribute immediately and help Duke compete at the highest level. Among the top prospects Scheyer has recently targeted is Austin Goosby, a dynamic 6’5″ shooting guard out of Texas who has captured the attention of top programs nationwide.

Austin Goosby: Profile of a Rising Star

Austin Goosby is quickly emerging as one of the most promising high school players in the 2026 recruiting class. A native of Melissa, Texas, Goosby boasts a versatile skill set that has impressed scouts and coaches alike. His size, combined with fluid athleticism and a smooth shooting stroke, makes him a natural scoring threat from beyond the arc and inside the paint.

Beyond scoring, Goosby’s basketball IQ stands out. He consistently makes smart decisions on the court, whether that’s creating plays for teammates, reading defenses, or playing suffocating defense himself. This well-roundedness has made him a standout on both his high school team and the Drive Nation EYBL club team, where he regularly faces some of the nation’s best talent.

Why Duke Wants Austin Goosby

Duke’s interest in Goosby is no coincidence. Jon Scheyer and his recruiting staff have shown a clear preference for players who fit their style: versatile, high-IQ athletes capable of thriving in a fast-paced, dynamic offense that values shooting and defensive intensity.

Goosby fits that mold perfectly. His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting, combined with the size and athleticism to guard multiple positions, aligns with the archetype Scheyer has sought to build in his backcourt. Moreover, Goosby’s maturity and work ethic suggest he could contribute early, which is a huge plus for a program always chasing immediate impact.

The Blue Devils have reportedly made several visits to Melissa High School, underscoring their serious interest. Scheyer’s pitch likely highlights Duke’s tradition of developing NBA talent, its winning culture, and the opportunity to play on one of college basketball’s biggest stages.

The Recruiting Battle: Who’s in the Hunt?

Austin Goosby is highly coveted, drawing attention from other blue-blood programs such as Kentucky, Kansas, and Texas. The competition is fierce, with each school offering unique advantages.

• Kentucky: Known for its one-and-done pipeline to the NBA, Kentucky is appealing for players wanting a fast track to the pros.
• Kansas: With a storied program and a reputation for strong guard development, Kansas is a natural suitor.
• Texas: Hometown advantage and familiarity make Texas an attractive option, especially with recent strong recruits bolstering the program.

Despite this, Duke’s consistent presence in the NCAA tournament and its ability to produce NBA stars gives Scheyer’s offer significant weight. The decision will ultimately come down to where Goosby sees the best fit for his development, playing style, and long-term goals.

Jon Scheyer’s Recruiting Vision

Since his promotion to head coach, Scheyer has proven adept at securing top talent. His 2025 recruiting class, including notable names like the Boozer twins and Nikolas Khamenia, signals his ability to maintain Duke’s elite status.

Scheyer’s recruiting philosophy goes beyond raw talent. He prioritizes character, coachability, and fit within the program’s culture. He’s searching for players who embody Duke’s values — discipline, resilience, and a team-first mentality.

In this context, Goosby’s leadership qualities and on-court intelligence make him an ideal target. Scheyer’s staff likely sees Goosby as a player who won’t just score points but will also elevate team chemistry and contribute to a winning culture.

What Goosby Brings to Duke’s Roster

Adding Austin Goosby would enhance Duke’s roster in several key ways:

• Scoring Versatility: Goosby’s ability to score from various spots on the floor would provide Duke with a reliable offensive weapon, easing pressure on other stars.
• Defensive Presence: His length and instincts allow him to guard multiple positions effectively, critical for Duke’s switch-heavy defensive schemes.
• Playmaking: Goosby’s court vision and passing ability offer another dimension to Duke’s offense, creating opportunities for teammates.
• Experience Against Elite Competition: Playing for Drive Nation EYBL exposes Goosby to high-level competition, preparing him for the intensity of college basketball.

Such qualities would likely earn Goosby significant playing time early in his career, an enticing prospect for any top recruit.

Timing and Commitment

Sources suggest Goosby intends to make a commitment before his senior year, which sets a firm timeline for the recruiting process. Duke’s staff is expected to ramp up their efforts, balancing persuasive visits, personalized development plans, and fostering strong relationships with Goosby and his family.

This urgency also signals that other programs will be aggressively pursuing Goosby in the coming months, so Duke will need to make a compelling case for why he should wear blue and white.

The Broader Implications for Duke Basketball

Securing Austin Goosby would not just impact the team’s immediate future — it could shape Duke’s recruiting landscape for years. Landing a high-profile player like Goosby signals to other recruits that Duke remains a destination for elite talent, even in the post-Krzyzewski era.

Furthermore, Goosby’s commitment could bolster Duke’s chances of contending for ACC and national championships, maintaining the program’s prestige and visibility.

Jon Scheyer targeting Austin Goosby reflects Duke’s unwavering commitment to excellence and strategic roster building. For Goosby, joining Duke offers a platform to develop under elite coaching, compete at the highest level, and prepare for a potential professional career.

With both sides seemingly aligned on what they bring to the table, the next few months will be pivotal in this recruitment saga. As the 2026 signing period approaches, all eyes will be on Austin Goosby’s decision — one that could shape the trajectory of Duke basketball for years to come.