Breaking News: Dhiaukuei Manyiel Commits to Duke Basketball
Durham, NC – January 3, 2026 – In a stunning recruiting coup that has sent shockwaves through the college basketball world, highly touted big man Dhiaukuei Manyiel has verbally committed to the Duke Blue Devils, sources confirmed early this morning. The 7-foot forward, known for his imposing presence in the paint and rapidly developing skill set, chose Duke over several powerhouse programs, marking a major victory for head coach Jon Scheyer and his staff.
Manyiel, a native of South Sudan who honed his game at Greenforest McCalep Christian Academy in Georgia, announced his decision via social media, posting a photoshopped image of himself in a royal blue Duke jersey alongside the caption: “Committed. Go Blue Devils! #Brotherhood.” The commitment comes as a surprise to many insiders, who had pegged other ACC rivals and West Coast programs as frontrunners in his recruitment.
Standing at 7 feet tall with a wingspan that scouts describe as “elite,” Manyiel brings a rare combination of size, mobility, and shot-blocking prowess to Durham. During his high school career, he led Greenforest to a state championship and earned All-State honors, showcasing his ability to dominate the glass and alter shots at the rim. Analysts project him as a potential one-and-done talent, with comparisons to former Duke greats like Marvin Bagley III for his athleticism around the basket and emerging face-up game.
“This is huge for Duke,” said recruiting expert Jamie Shaw of On3 Sports. “Manyiel has a ceiling that’s through the roof. His length and instincts make him a defensive anchor, and offensively, he’s starting to stretch the floor. Scheyer has been prioritizing frontcourt depth, and landing a player of this caliber instantly bolsters their 2026 class.”
Scheyer, in his fourth full season at the helm following the legendary Mike Krzyzewski’s retirement, has continued Duke’s tradition of elite recruiting. The Blue Devils currently boast one of the top classes for 2026, headlined by five-star prospects like Cameron Williams, Bryson Howard, and recent addition Deron Rippey Jr. Manyiel’s pledge could vault Duke back to the No. 1 spot in the national rankings, depending on final evaluations.
The commitment is particularly sweet given the intense rivalry implications. Manyiel had strong ties to North Carolina programs, with rumors swirling of interest from nearby schools. By choosing Duke, he flips the script on what many expected to be a Tar Heel-leaning recruitment, adding fuel to the storied Tobacco Road rivalry.
Fans erupted on social media following the announcement, with Cameron Indoor Stadium trending nationwide as Blue Devil supporters flooded timelines with edited photos of Manyiel in Duke gear—much like the one he shared himself.
Manyiel’s journey to this point is nothing short of inspirational. Born in Rumbek, South Sudan, he immigrated to the United States and quickly adapted to the American game. His rapid rise from relative unknown to top prospect underscores the global reach of college basketball recruiting. Off the court, Manyiel is described as an outstanding student, having graduated as valedictorian from his high school class—a trait that aligns perfectly with Duke’s emphasis on academics.
Coach Scheyer released a statement shortly after the news broke: “We’re thrilled to welcome Dhiaukuei to the Duke family. His talent, work ethic, and character are exactly what we look for in a Blue Devil. He has tremendous upside and will thrive in our system. Can’t wait to see him in Cameron!”
The addition of Manyiel addresses a key need for Duke, which has relied heavily on versatile bigs in recent years. With graduating seniors and potential early NBA entries, frontcourt depth was a priority. Manyiel’s ability to run the floor, protect the rim, and potentially develop a mid-range jumper makes him a perfect fit for Scheyer’s up-tempo style.
Rival fans, particularly in Chapel Hill, expressed disappointment online, with some calling it “the flip of the cycle.” North Carolina had been in hot pursuit, but Duke’s persistent recruitment and the allure of the Brotherhood proved decisive.
As the early signing period approaches later this year, Manyiel is expected to make it official. In the meantime, Duke’s 2026 class is shaping up to be one of the best in program history, positioning the Blue Devils for another run at national contention.
This commitment not only elevates Duke’s future prospects but also reinforces their status as a premier destination for international and domestic talent alike. Stay tuned as more details emerge on Manyiel’s official visit and plans for enrollment.
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