Duke Basketball Enters Heated 2027 Race for No. 1 Prospect Baba Oladotun
The 2027 recruiting war is officially underway, and Duke Basketball is wasting no time in staking its claim for the crown jewel of the class. As the contact period opened this past Sunday, college programs were greenlit to directly reach out to rising juniors — and the floodgates have opened.
At the top of nearly every recruiting board? Baba Oladotun, a 6-foot-9 forward from James Hubert Blake High Schoolin Maryland who is currently ranked the No. 1 overall prospect in the 2027 class.
Within hours of the period’s start, Duke’s coaching staff made their move.
While Oladotun has yet to report a formal offer from head coach Jon Scheyer and his staff, sources confirm that the Blue Devils are already in active communication with the five-star phenom. This signals a serious early intent to position Duke among the elite contenders in what could be one of the most competitive recruiting battles of the cycle.
But they’re not alone.
Joining Duke in this high-stakes pursuit are fellow bluebloods Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Baylor, Miami, and Houston — all eager to secure the services of one of the most electrifying frontcourt prospects the high school ranks have seen in recent years.
According to 247Sports’ Dushawn London, Oladotun already had over 30 scholarship offers before June 15. That number is expected to surge rapidly as more powerhouse programs enter the fray following the recent contact window.
So, who is Baba Oladotun — and why is the nation buzzing?
The 6-foot-9 forward is more than just size and athleticism. He’s a fluid playmaker with guard-like instincts, capable of initiating fast breaks, handling the ball in space, and pulling up with confidence. His defensive range stretches across multiple positions, and his court vision and tempo control have drawn early comparisons to top-level NBA hybrid forwards.
More importantly, Oladotun possesses that rare intangible — a calm yet commanding presence that elevates everyone around him.
Scouts rave about his ability to dictate the pace of a game, seamlessly switching from explosive transition plays to structured half-court execution. Simply put: he doesn’t just play the game — he controls it.
And now, he’s the centerpiece of the 2027 recruiting conversation.
Although Duke has not extended an official offer yet, their early interest — reflected by direct contact and strategic timing — suggests that one may not be far behind. Scheyer and his staff are known for their calculated recruiting approach, often building relationships before jumping in with official offers. That may be the case here as they assess Oladotun’s long-term fit within the Blue Devil system.
Still, with Kentucky already heavily involved and other SEC and Big 12 heavyweights circling, time could be a factor.
If Oladotun’s offer count climbs into the 40s or 50s — as many expect — this could become a long-haul recruitment packed with twists, official visits, and elite camps showcasing his talent against the best in the country.
But one thing is certain: Duke Basketball has officially entered the race.
And when Duke steps in, the entire basketball world takes notice.
As the 2027 cycle heats up, expect Baba Oladotun’s name to dominate headlines — and expect the Blue Devils to be right in the thick of it.
Stay locked in to trendysoccernews.com for real-time updates as this recruitment evolves.
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