Australian teenage basketball prospect Luke Paul committed to Duke University during a television broadcast, revealing his college destination by unzipping a Cairns Taipans hoodie to display a Blue Devils T-shirt in a presentation that mirrored LeBron James’s style, news.china.com.au reported.
Televised Commitment on ESPN
The broadcast featured ESPN senior writer Brian Windhorst introducing the 17-year-old guard before the announcement. “This is going to be an interesting announcement. Luke is going to reveal where he’s going next year. The floor is yours,” Windhorst said during the segment.
Paul then delivered his decision to the audience. “Next, I’d like to announce my commitment to Duke University,” Paul said while shedding his Cairns Taipans team hoodie to expose the Duke gear underneath. “I want to go somewhere that helps me elevate my player performance, help me get to the next stage, which is the NBA.”
Paul Emerges as Top NBA Draft Prospect
Standing 198 centimeters tall, the ball-handler and dunker has emerged as a top prospect for the NBA draft. Paul represented Australia at the FIBA Under-17 World Cup, where he averaged 15.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 7.1 assists per contest.
The announcement drew immediate parallels to James’s 2010 television special, in which he declared he was taking his talents to South Beach to join the Miami Heat.
The NBL to NCAA Pipeline
Paul is signed with the Cairns Taipans as part of the National Basketball League Next Stars program. He will compete in the Australian NBL during the 2026-27 season before matriculating to Duke for the 2027-28 NCAA campaign.
“Training in the NBL environment is accelerating my development, and I’m grateful to the Taipans, Coach Adam Forde, the Next Stars program, and everyone involved for their help,” Paul stated through an NBL release. “I’m thrilled to commit to Duke as it’s a dream come true, and equally excited to give everything I have to Cairns this season.”
Next Stars General Manager Liam Santamaria noted that the teenager earned the opportunity through performance. “Luke has earned this opportunity through his talent, work ethic, and character,” Santamaria said. “The game is evolving, and with it, the pathways available to young players. We are proud to be a critical part of Luke’s journey and look forward to supporting him this season and beyond.”
Duke University Lineage
Paul joins a Blue Devils program that has produced numerous high-profile NBA talents, including Kyrie Irving—who was also born in Melbourne—alongside Jayson Tatum and current NBA Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg. In Durham, Paul will link up with Kager Knueppel, the brother of Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel.
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