BREAKING: German power forward Declan Duru has committed to the University of Texas.

In a major international recruiting coup, the Texas Longhorns men’s basketball program has landed a commitment from Declan Duru, a 6-foot-9 power forward from Berlin, Germany. The news broke early Wednesday morning in Europe and sent shockwaves across the college basketball world as one of the top rising international talents officially chose to bring his game to Austin.

Duru, who has been on the radar of NBA scouts and elite Division I programs alike, announced his decision via social media with the caption:
“Texas, I’m coming. Let’s get to work. #HookEm”

This commitment marks a significant win for Texas head coach Rodney Terry, who continues to build a program capable of contending on the national stage. With Duru in the fold, the Longhorns add size, versatility, and a global presence that could reshape their frontcourt rotation for the foreseeable future.

Duru, 18, has been one of the most talked-about European prospects in his class. He starred for ALBA Berlin’s youth system, competing in the Adidas Next Generation Tournament and the NBBL (Germany’s U19 league), where he averaged 14.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game this past season.

His frame is college-ready: long arms, broad shoulders, and excellent lower-body balance. He has shown the ability to defend multiple positions, knock down corner threes, and run the floor like a wing. International scouts praise his footwork, court vision, and defensive instincts, all of which were on display when he earned All-Tournament honors at the FIBA U18 European Championships, helping lead Germany to a silver medal.

“Declan is one of the best-kept secrets in international basketball,” said a FIBA scout. “He plays hard, doesn’t need the ball to make an impact, and could be a double-double machine at the college level.”

Duru chose the Longhorns over interest from Baylor, Gonzaga, UCLA, and several professional options in Spain and Turkey. According to sources close to his recruitment, Duru was drawn to Texas for several reasons:

• Player development: Texas has produced NBA-ready bigs in recent years, including Jarrett Allen, Mo Bamba, and Greg Brown.
• International success: The program’s recent history with international athletes like Dylan Disu and Timmy Allen (via global camps) gave Duru confidence in the coaching staff’s vision.
• Rodney Terry’s recruiting pitch: Duru’s camp praised Terry for his direct communication and detailed development plan that included film study, strength training, and defensive versatility.

“He’s a coach who doesn’t sugarcoat anything,” Duru said in a German-language interview. “He told me what I needed to improve, and also how he would help me do it. That honesty stood out.”

Height: 6’9”
Weight: 225 lbs
Position: PF/C
Nationality: German-Nigerian
Strengths: Defense, transition game, rebounding, pick-and-roll
Weaknesses: Half-court scoring, free-throw consistency

Duru isn’t your typical stretch four — not yet, at least. He’s more of a two-way bruiser who can switch defensively and protect the rim, but also excels in transition. His high motor, communication, and willingness to battle in the post are what set him apart.

Think of a modern-day Grant Williams or P.J. Washington, with shades of a young Serge Ibaka.

He’s not the finished product offensively, but with the right system and minutes, he could be an impact freshman by midseason.

Duru’s addition adds depth and international flair to what was already a promising frontcourt:

• Zion Pipkin (incoming freshman, 4⭐)
• Kadin Shedrick (sixth-year senior)
• Rowan Brumbaugh (swing forward with shooting range)
• Jordan Mitchell (JUCO All-American transfer)

With Duru’s arrival, Texas can deploy a versatile, switch-heavy lineup featuring multiple shot-blockers and positionless forwards.

Expect Duru to be rotational early, with the potential to become a starter by conference play, especially in matchups where defensive flexibility is paramount.

Duru’s commitment continues a growing trend under Rodney Terry: Texas is recruiting globally.

Earlier this cycle, the Longhorns hosted players from Australia, Nigeria, and France, and Terry has sent staff to multiple FIBA and NBA Academy events. The goal? Build a roster with a mix of gritty American talent and refined international skill.

“We don’t care where you’re from — we care how you compete,” Terry said at Big 12 Media Days. “Declan fits that mindset perfectly.”

Paul Biancardi (ESPN):
“Texas got themselves a potential NBA rotation piece in Declan Duru. He’s a late bloomer, and that’s what makes this so exciting. His upside is huge.”

Travis Branham (247Sports):
“This is the kind of commitment that puts Texas on the map with other international stars. Duru is going to open doors for them overseas.”

Fran Fraschilla (international basketball analyst):
“I watched Declan in Europe. He’s an NBA athlete already, just needs polish. The Longhorns will love his competitiveness and motor.”

Texas is aiming high. With the SEC move fully underway and the shadow of the Big 12 left behind, Rodney Terry knows that recruiting must match expectations.

Duru’s commitment is a statement, not just a roster addition. It shows that Texas is serious about building a team that can travel, defend, and win deep into March.

If Duru develops as projected, don’t be surprised if he becomes a one-and-done sleeper, or a multi-year star who defines the Longhorns’ SEC identity.

While Duru is fluent in English and has traveled extensively for basketball, moving to the U.S. will still be an adjustment. But according to sources close to his family, he’s embracing it.

“He’s always wanted to experience American basketball,” his father, Ugo Duru, said. “He watched March Madness as a kid in Berlin. Now he’ll be playing in it.”

The Texas coaching staff is also building a support system — including academic mentors, housing coordinators, and international advisors — to help Duru transition smoothly into life in Austin.

He’s already begun online English-taught business courses to get a head start academically.

With Duru now in the fold, Texas shifts its focus to rounding out its 2025 class. Top remaining targets include:

• Bryce James (SG, 4⭐ – California)
• Jonah Williams (C, 5⭐ – Georgia)
• Jakub Novak (PF, Czech Republic – NBA Academy Africa)

Texas is in a great position to finish with a top-10 class, especially if it continues blending domestic and international talent with a clear developmental blueprint.

Declan Duru is the kind of player you bet on: unpolished but powerful, raw but relentless. He comes to Texas not as a finished product, but as a high-ceiling athlete with the mindset to match.

And now, he wears burnt orange.

From the streets of Berlin to the hardwood of the Moody Center, Declan Duru’s journey is just beginning. And if all goes according to plan, he could be the next global star to take college basketball by storm — Longhorns style.