The Duke basketball program is targeting one of the top remaining players in the transfer portal as it works to solidify its roster for next season, amid lingering uncertainties.
Head coach Jon Scheyer and his staff have reportedly reached out to USC transfer guard Desmond Claude over the weekend, according to ESPN’s Jeff Borzello.
Claude began his college career at Xavier, where he was named the Big East’s Most Improved Player in 2024. He transferred to USC for the 2024–25 season, where he averaged 15.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and shot 48.2% from the field.
Although Florida initially showed strong interest when Claude entered the portal, that pursuit has since cooled. Meanwhile, Gonzaga, Virginia, Ole Miss, and Kentucky are still active in his recruitment.
Borzello noted that Claude is seeking a proven backcourt partner and a team built to make a deep postseason run.
Last week, Duke secured Washington State transfer Cedric Coward, though he is still considering the NBA Draft after receiving a combine invite. Freshman Isaiah Evans, who has committed to returning next season, also received a combine invitation.
Returning to the Blue Devils for the 2025–26 campaign are sophomore guard Caleb Foster and 5-star recruit Cayden Boozer, the twin brother of fellow elite prospect Cameron Boozer.
Duke also remains in pursuit of high school standouts Braydon Hawthorne and Sebastian Wilkins. Hawthorne recently reopened his recruitment following West Virginia’s coaching change, and Wilkins, a 2026 recruit, is rumored to be reclassifying to the 2025 class.
Scheyer clearly continues to build his roster, and Desmond Claude is a key name to watch in the coming weeks.