In somewhat of a surprise to most Duke fans and possibly Duke themselves California’s Nik Khamenia, a power forward in the 2025 class, announced his commitment to the Blue Devils. It was widely expected that UCLA would be the destination for the 6’8 power forward, especially after the Blue Devils landed the number 2 player in the class Cameron Boozer at the position. The 4 Star recruit out of Harvard Westlake in Studio City, CA chose the Blue Devils over UCLA, AZ, Gonzaga and rival UNC.
Khamenia is a high IQ forward who can act as a playmaker with his elite ability to pass the ball. He’s also an above average shooter from 3-point range. He can be plugged in at multiple positions and should excel in a 5-out offense. Khamenia is also a very capable defender who moves his feet well for a guy that isn’t exceptionally athletic or quick.
Khamenia joins a class that includes Cayden and Cameron Boozer. Duke is also currently recruiting Shelton Henderson and Nate Ament.
Per Adam Finkelstein:
Khamenia has a terrific overlap of size, skill, and a very high basketball IQ. He has great instincts and natural feel for the game. He’s an exceptional passer who can throw darts off the dribble with both hands and thread the needle when needed, but also understands how to be a ball-mover as well. He processes the game incredibly quickly as well, allowing him to know exactly what to do with the ball as soon as he touches it. He picks up concepts quickly, easily acclimates to offensive structure, has good footwork, and utilizes shot-fakes well.
While his passing is probably his best natural skill, he’s a consistent shooting threat out to the three-point line and also a good ball-handler. He has definite gravity around the arc and can be run off screens away from the ball in the half-court. He can also play-make from various spots on the floor and is particularly adept at taking the ball off the glass to start the break. He may project as a facilitating forward at the next level, but he’s also spent a lot of time initiating offense in a point forward type role in various settings.
Physically, Khamenia lacks great length or natural quickness, but he’s made nice strides with his body in recent months. He’s noticeably stronger, more defined, and athletic enough to be a lob threat at times. Whatever he may lack in sheer explosiveness, he’s typically able to compensate for with his intellect. He really knows how to play on both ends of the floor and tends to be in all the right spots defensively. He’s also a terrific communicator with clear leadership ability on the floor.
