Luke Paul commits to Duke University for 2027-28 season

Seventeen-year-old basketball prospect Luke Paul has committed to Duke University for the 2027-28 season. The Cairns Taipans guard, a participant in the NBL Next Stars program, plans to move to the United States at the conclusion of the 2026-27 NBL season to join the Blue Devils.

Paul, a 198-centimeter guard, aims to use his time at Duke to develop his skills and secure a first-round selection in the 2028 NBA Draft. He expressed confidence in the program's player development, noting that a conversation with coach Jon Scheyer solidified his decision. His primary goal at the collegiate level is to win an NCAA national championship.

A rising talent in Australian basketball, Paul was named to the FIBA U17 World Cup All-Star Five after helping Australia secure a bronze medal. He has also participated in training sessions with the Australian national team, the Boomers. Paul is currently recovering from an ankle injury that has delayed his NBL debut with the Cairns Taipans.