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Five-Star Jordan Smith Jr. Poised to Draw Elite Attention From Duke

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jeremy Lockett | Last updated Sep 3, 2025 10:55 AM ET

Jordan Smith Jr., the 6-foot-2 shooting guard from Paul VI Catholic in Virginia, welcomed Duke head coach Jon Scheyer for an in-home visit Thursday, a source told Rivals Joe Tipton.

Smith, a five-star prospect in the 2026 class, ranks as the No. 3 overall player nationally and tops the list of shooting guards, as well as prospects in Virginia.

The visit underscores Duke’s long-standing interest in Smith, who completed an official visit to Durham last fall. Scheyer’s program faces stiff competition for the Fairfax native, who has Arkansas, Georgetown, Indiana, Kentucky, and Syracuse in his top six.

Arkansas and Kentucky remain on his official visit schedule later this fall, while he’s already made unofficial trips to Georgetown and Syracuse.

Jordan Smith Jr. on Duke and Scheyer

Speaking to Joe Tipton, Smith described what each program brings to the table.

https://www.on3.com/rivals/news/jordan-smith-jr-hosting-dukes-jon-scheyer-for-in-home-visit/

About Duke, he said, “They want me to come in here, help them win a national championship, help them reach my goals in any way possible. They want to build my character as a young man, develop me to how I want to be. I love Jon Scheyer, he’s a great recruiter. I have two teammates that speak very highly of him, so I’m just excited to see what they do this year, how he plays them.”

Smith’s interest in a program extends beyond wins and losses.

“Player development, environment, because I got to be able to live there for six months to four years. And just how the coaches are, they’re nice people, they treat their players the right way. They’re just good people,” he told Tipton.

Team Takeover and USA Basketball Experience

Scouting reports highlight why Smith is coveted by the sport’s elite programs. Adam Finkelstein calls him a “game-changing guard on both ends of the floor,” noting his 6-foot-8.5 wingspan, elite athleticism, and defensive versatility.

Last season with Team Takeover in the EYBL, Smith averaged 19.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 2.1 steals per game, proving he can impact the game without dominating the ball.

Even at high-profile events, Smith’s team-first approach stands out. Playing up with the U19 USA Basketball team that won gold at the World Cup, he started every game, finishing eighth in scoring but near the top in hustle stats, including second in steals and third in blocked shots.

Why Jordan Smith Jr. Stands Out

What separates Smith from his peers, according to evaluators, is his defense-first mentality and basketball IQ. His fundamentals allow him to stay aggressive without fouling, and his length and physicality give him a projected role as a lockdown defender at the college and pro level.

Growing up in the talent-rich DMV area, Smith learned the value of defense from his father and honed his craft in pickup gyms and Team Takeover practices from a young age.

With elite skills, championship-level competitiveness, and a reputation as one of the most coachable players in the class, Jordan Smith Jr. remains one of the nation’s most pursued prospects.

Thursday’s visit with Scheyer is the latest sign that college basketball’s top programs are lining up for a chance to land him.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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