In an exciting development for Duke basketball, five-star forward Bryson Howard, son of former NBA All-Star Josh Howard, announced his verbal commitment to the Blue Devils on Tuesday. Ranked as the No. 12 player in the 2026 class by the 247Sports Composite, Howard chose Duke over strong competition from North Carolina and Kentucky.
Duke is still in the early stages of building its recruiting class for 2026, but head coach Jon Scheyer’s proven track record suggests that Howard’s commitment is just the beginning. Since taking the helm from legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski, Scheyer has consistently attracted top talent, securing the nation’s No. 1 recruiting class in three of the last four offseasons.
Standing at 6 feet 5 inches and weighing 188 pounds, Howard displays a playing style reminiscent of his father, who was an All-American at Wake Forest and enjoyed a long NBA career. Notably, Howard shone during Nike’s Peach Jam, where he averaged 19.7 points and six rebounds per game, showcasing his prowess as an athlete, especially when attacking the rim. He finished among the top ten in both player index rating and overall efficiency during the event.
In addition to his offensive capabilities, Howard carries a strong defensive potential, following in his father’s footsteps as a formidable two-way player. His 6-foot-11 wingspan aligns well with Scheyer’s emphasis on length in the team’s roster construction, positioning him as a promising asset in Duke’s future lineup.
Shooting remains a pivotal skill for Howard’s development, yet encouraging signs have emerged. He shot an impressive 40.6 percent from beyond the arc at Peach Jam, averaging more than five attempts per game, and even boasted a remarkable 48.6 percent from three during the grassroots summer circuit. With anticipated roster changes on Duke’s perimeter next offseason, Howard is well-placed to become a significant contributor in the 2026-27 season.
Looking ahead, Duke’s coaching staff is targeting other standout prospects, including combo guard Jordan Smith, who holds the No. 2 ranking in the class. Smith, who shares a similar wingspan and two-way impact, is currently a student at Paul VI Catholic High in Virginia, a school known for producing several former and current Duke players.
With Bryson Howard’s acquisition, Duke is setting the stage for what could become a powerful recruiting class, showcasing a commitment to both athletic prowess and strong teamwork principles, creating hope for a bright future in collegiate basketball.