Could Duke or Maryland Land Forward Prospect Sebastian Wilkins?
Sebastian Wilkins, a 6-foot-8 forward from Groton, Massachusetts, is drawing attention as a potential reclassification candidate from the 2026 recruiting class to 2025, making him eligible to play in the upcoming college basketball season.
A consensus top-50 recruit, Wilkins brings a versatile game — he’s effective from the perimeter, can stretch the floor, and defend multiple positions thanks to his athleticism. His well-rounded skill set makes him an attractive option for teams looking for an immediate contributor.
Two schools are currently seen as top contenders for Wilkins: Duke and Maryland. His final decision is expected Friday.
Duke Blue Devils
Duke has been active in recruiting wing players, recently securing five-star Dame Sarr while losing out on Braydon Hawthorne to Kentucky. If Wilkins joins the Blue Devils and reclassifies to 2025, he’d likely be competing for limited minutes at power forward behind No. 2 overall recruit Cameron Boozer and fellow five-star Nikolas Khamenia. However, playing at Duke is a proven path to the NBA, which is a major draw for top prospects.
If Wilkins stays in the 2026 class, Duke might be a more appealing long-term option with more opportunities opening up next year.
Maryland Terrapins
Maryland, now led by Coach Buzz Williams (who previously recruited Wilkins while at Texas A&M), offers a different opportunity. The Terps are looking to make a strong impression under new leadership and need help in the frontcourt alongside transfers Solomon Washington and Pharrel Payne.
Maryland could give Wilkins more immediate playing time — likely at small forward, which is an area he’s still developing. If he prefers playing power forward, staying in the 2026 class might serve him better, though that could also tilt the scales back toward Duke.
In either case, Wilkins is a high-upside talent whose decision could impact the outlook for either program’s upcoming seasons.
