Currently, among the most anticipated prospects in high school basketball, one top recruit in the 2026 cycle has shared his views on the basketball recruiting world. With an impressive NIL Valuation of $608,000, he is ranked as the No. 6 overall recruit and the No. 3 shooting guard prospect. As major programs now compete for this high school junior’s commitment, he has opened up about his opinions on Cooper Flagg, Duke, and the Syracuse Orange.

So, who are we talking about? None other than Jordan Smith Jr.

When the young guard from Paul VI High School visited Duke, he got an in-depth look at the program’s culture and the possible opportunities that might await him there. One of the main aspects of Duke’s program, according to Smith Jr., is its intention to place their trust in freshmen. He pointed out the significant roles played by Cooper Flagg and Isiah Evans.

“Watching them play, they’re playing their freshmen a lot,” he said, highlighting how the program can align with his own desire for early development. Moreover, the visit to Duke provided him with an in-depth look at the program’s culture and the opportunities awaiting players.

“My visit there was really fun,” Jordan shared while talking about his time spent with Pat Ngongba and Darren Harris. These personal connections helped him build an idea about the atmosphere of the Duke Blue Devils.

Like any other freshman, Smith wants to deliver the most meaningful minutes on the court. The program’s reputation for producing NBA-ready players and its focus on preparing athletes for the next level does make it a compelling choice. “I’ve been really impressed with them so far,” he added.

Smith’s visit to Duke reinforced the idea that it can indeed be a good launchpad for greatness. But he was quite surprised by Syracuse, too.

Cooper Flagg and freshman opportunities draw interest at Duke, but Syracuse makes a surprising impression

Initially, Smith had a modest expectation of Syracuse, but his visit completely changed his perception. “At first, I was like, ‘ok, it’s Syracuse, cool,’ but when I went up there I was really surprised,” he admitted.

The team’s up-tempo playing style resonated with him. “When I went to their practice, it was like a Team Takeover practice, so I was like, ‘ok,’” he shared. Apart from their on-court dynamics, the coaching staff has been diligent in fostering a strong connection with him.

“They keep in consistent contact with me, asking how I’m doing and checking in on me about my practices and games,” he noted. “I’m pretty close with Syracuse; they’re like Takeover family.”

A promising player like Jordan Smith Jr. is definitely going to thoroughly evaluate his options. His insights into Duke and Syracuse reveal what he values most in a program: trust in player development, meaningful on-court minutes, and a strong relationship with the coaching staff.