In a stunning development that has shaken the college basketball recruiting world, Brandon Garrison, one of the top high school basketball prospects in the country, has announced his commitment to the Duke Blue Devils. Garrison, a versatile forward who has been generating buzz for his combination of size, skill, and athleticism, was widely pursued by some of the top programs in college basketball. However, after much speculation, Garrison revealed that he would be continuing his basketball career at Duke, turning down the University of Kentucky Wildcats, among others, in favor of the storied program in Durham.
Brandon Garrison’s decision is a huge win for Duke head coach Jon Scheyer, who is in the midst of building a new era of Blue Devils basketball following the legendary tenure of Coach Mike Krzyzewski. Garrison’s commitment further strengthens what is already shaping up to be a dominant recruiting class for Duke, giving the Blue Devils a massive boost in their quest for another national title. At 6-foot-9 and with an impressive skill set for his size, Garrison is an ideal fit for Duke’s up-tempo, modern style of play that emphasizes positionless basketball. Known for his ability to stretch the floor with his shooting touch, rebound effectively, and defend multiple positions, Garrison has the potential to make an immediate impact in the ACC.
With Duke’s frontcourt losing key players to the NBA draft, Garrison’s arrival brings much-needed depth and talent to the program. His versatility and athleticism make him a potential game-changer for the Blue Devils, who are looking to return to the top of the college basketball world after a few seasons of transition. Garrison’s decision to pick Duke over Kentucky may be a surprise to some, but it’s important to recognize the factors that influenced his choice. Duke’s recent success in developing players into NBA-ready prospects, combined with the personalized coaching from Jon Scheyer and the Blue Devils’ emphasis on player development, likely played a key role. Garrison’s family also expressed appreciation for the culture at Duke and the emphasis the program places on both academic excellence and athletic achievement, which is in alignment with his long-term goals.
The Wildcats will likely feel the sting of missing out on such a talented player, but they continue to maintain one of the top recruiting pipelines in the nation. With other highly-rated prospects still considering Kentucky, the Wildcats are poised to reload in the coming years. Brandon Garrison’s commitment is a massive piece of Duke’s recruiting puzzle. With the Blue Devils already bringing in a stellar class, Garrison’s decision to join forces with fellow highly-touted recruits adds further depth to a team that looks poised to make a serious run at the national championship in the coming seasons.
Duke’s 2024 recruiting class, which is shaping up to be one of the top classes in the nation, will benefit from Garrison’s well-rounded game. As a forward who can play both inside and on the perimeter, Garrison’s ability to space the floor and contribute in a variety of ways will give Coach Scheyer an important weapon on both ends of the floor. His defensive capabilities, particularly in switching schemes and protecting the rim, will also allow Duke to remain a formidable force on that side of the ball. What makes Garrison even more appealing is his maturity and basketball IQ. He’s not just an athlete, but a highly skilled player who understands the nuances of the game, making him an ideal candidate to thrive in the structured environment that Duke provides.
Brandon Garrison hails from the state of Oklahoma, where he became a household name during his high school career at an early age. He’s been widely regarded as one of the top players in the 2024 recruiting class, earning accolades and recognition for his all-around game. His high school coach and teammates have consistently praised his work ethic, leadership, and commitment to improving his game year after year. On the court, Garrison is an exceptional athlete with a rare blend of size and finesse. He possesses excellent footwork and an ability to finish at the rim with both hands. As a shooter, Garrison is capable of knocking down mid-range jumpers and even three-pointers, making him a valuable asset in modern college basketball. His rebounding ability is also notable, as he is a tenacious presence on the glass who is not afraid to mix it up in traffic.
Defensively, Garrison’s length and lateral quickness allow him to guard multiple positions, a trait that will make him a versatile asset in Duke’s defensive schemes. His shot-blocking ability and knack for contesting shots at the rim will make him an effective presence on the defensive end, complementing Duke’s aggressive, swarming defensive philosophy. Now that Brandon Garrison has made his commitment official, the next step for him is to prepare for his collegiate career at Duke. The Blue Devils have already started preparing for next season, and Garrison will be a key figure in their long-term plans. His decision also puts him on the radar for NBA scouts, who will be closely watching his development over the next few years.
For Garrison, the move to Duke represents the next step in his journey to becoming an elite player. By joining one of the most prestigious programs in college basketball, he has the opportunity to showcase his talents on a national stage, compete in the high-stakes ACC, and develop under some of the best coaches in the business. Brandon Garrison’s commitment to Duke is a significant milestone for both the player and the program. For Duke, it represents a continued commitment to excellence and a key building block for the future. For Garrison, it’s an opportunity to further his development and achieve his dreams of playing at the highest levels of college basketball and beyond.
As the 2024 season approaches, fans of both Duke and Kentucky will be eagerly watching Garrison’s progress, with the Blue Devils now having one of the most exciting young talents in the country on their roster. With his blend of skills, size, and basketball IQ, Garrison has all the tools to become a star for Duke in the years to come.