Duke beats out UNC, others for top-10 recruit Montgomery

Asa Montgomery has committed to Duke, he announced Wednesday, giving the Blue Devils a top-10 prospect for the seventh straight recruiting class. Montgomery chose coach Jon Scheyer's program after also taking official visits to LSU, Georgia Tech, UConn and North Carolina. "The Duke visit had a different feeling," Montgomery told ESPN. "Everything felt right. It was a dream school for me since I was 8 years old. I wanted to go to Duke and actually play for Coach K. Coach Jon Scheyer kept it real with me from day one. Duke wins, and I can trust him." NEWS: Top-10 senior Asa Montgomery has committed to Duke, giving the Blue Devils a top-10 recruit for the seventh straight recruiting class. "The Duke visit had a different feeling," he told @PaulBiancardi. "Coach Scheyer kept it real with me. Duke wins, and I can trust him." https://t.co/jpKNZOx0aY — Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) October 28, 2026 Montgomery's trip to Duke came in early October, when the Blue Devils clearly zeroed in on the 6-foot-7 forward as their priority target. He came away impressed with Scheyer and the way he ran the program. "He spent time with me and broke down my game, pointing out little details. They see me as a Dame Sarr-type player," Montgomery said, referencing the Duke sophomore. "In practice, Coach Scheyer keeps it real and pushes the team hard. That's what I'm looking for." "Duke's campus is crazy for basketball," he added. "It's a beautiful campus." Montgomery is ranked No. 7 overall in the SC Next 100, becoming the highest-ranked prospect to announce a commitment this cycle. No. 2 Demarcus Henry and No. 6 Lewis Uvwo are also expected to commit this week. The No. 3 small forward in the class, Montgomery was one of the most productive prep players in the country over the spring and summer. He led the EYCL in scoring with 27.9 points per game and ranked third in rebounding at 10.2 per game. In seven games at the Peach Invitational in July, Montgomery posted 24.1 points, 7.0 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game while shooting 50% from the field. He also won a gold medal with USA Basketball at the 2026 FIBA U17 World Cup, averaging 9.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.3 steals per game. Montgomery has a well-rounded offensive game, able to shoot, screen for others, drive, cut, score on putbacks and finish in transition. His length allows him to defend several perimeter positions with ease, and his strength helps him hold his own against bigger opponents. Physically, he has standout tools, including a 6-10 wingspan and an explosive vertical leap. Montgomery, who first entered the ESPN rankings in April 2025, is on the path to be a one-and-done NBA prospect. "I play with a lot of energy," Montgomery said. "I am a guy who leaves it all out on the court." Montgomery, who was roommates with current Duke freshman Joaquim Boumtje Boumtje at the FIBA U17 World Cup, is the Blue Devils' third commitment in the 2027 class. He joins fellow five-star forward Kager Knueppel, one of the elite shooters in the country, and highly touted Australian prospect Luke Paul.