Duke Basketball Bolsters Depth with Veteran Guard Jack Scott from Princeton
The Duke Blue Devils continue to build a balanced and battle-ready roster under head coach Jon Scheyer, and on Sunday night, they quietly made yet another strategic addition — veteran guard Jack Scott.
Scott, a 6-foot-6, 210-pound fourth-year player from Pelican Island, New Jersey, is transferring from Princeton University to join the Blue Devils ahead of the 2025–26 season. Though not a household name, his arrival adds another layer of depth, experience, and maturity to a roster that’s shaping up to be one of Scheyer’s most seasoned groups yet.
With Scott’s commitment, Duke’s projected 2025–26 squad now stands at 12 scholarship players — a mix of underclassmen with star potential and upperclassmen with veteran savvy. That includes two seniors and two graduate transfers, assuming that Cedric Coward — another recent transfer — withdraws from the NBA Draft before the May 28 deadline.
A Low-Profile Transfer With a High-Character Role
Jack Scott’s career stats at Princeton won’t jump off the page — he averaged 2.2 points and 1.8 rebounds across 67 games, logging just over 10 minutes per contest. His shooting splits (37.9% FG, 24.5% 3PT, 59.6% FT) suggest he won’t be lighting it up from beyond the arc. However, his value to the Duke program likely lies beyond the box score.
What Scott brings is more intangible: the willingness to grind, contribute in practice, and push Duke’s elite-level talent from behind the scenes. In fact, he follows in the footsteps of another former Princeton product, Max Johns, who transferred to Duke in 2022 and filled a similar behind-the-scenes role during his time in Durham.
These types of players — often overlooked in the glitz of five-star signings and NBA hopefuls — play critical roles in championship-caliber programs. They serve as stabilizers in the locker room, culture-setters in practice, and mentors to younger players still finding their footing.
Building a Complete Team
With Jon Scheyer entering his fourth year at the helm, it’s clear he’s not just stacking star recruits — he’s also constructing a team that’s deep, versatile, and seasoned. While Scott may not receive heavy minutes, his presence allows Duke’s rotation players to stay sharp and prepares the team for the long grind of an ACC season and a deep March run.
In a college basketball era dominated by flashy transfers and one-and-done stars, it’s moves like this that show Duke is thinking long-term, valuing cohesion just as much as talent.
And for Jack Scott, the move represents a dream opportunity: to train alongside future NBA stars, wear one of college basketball’s most iconic jerseys, and help chase championships — all while continuing to grow as a player and student of the game.
So while this transfer may not dominate headlines, it could quietly prove to be a glue-piece addition that helps define Duke’s 2025–26 identity.
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