17-year-old Centre of Excellence star chooses Duke

Image credit: Greg Francis @DiscoveryOne_Photography

Centre of Excellence prospect Luke Paul has announced he will be joining Duke University following the Hungry Jack's NBL27 Season, committing to the Blue Devils for their 2027–28 NCAA campaign.

For the 2009-born guard, who announced his commitment on Friday morning on ESPN's NBA Today alongside Brian Windhorst, it's another step towards the 2028 NBA Draft, where he's currently a projected lottery pick.

The 17-year-old guard improved drastically in the NBL1 East this year after getting limited action with the Willetton Tigers in 2024 and 2025, only playing four games across two seasons.

In 14 NBL1 East games, the 6'6" Australian averaged 8.4 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.6 assists in 23 minutes, also averaging a steal per game.

Paul was a barometer for the NBL1 East outfit, as the Centre of Excellence went 11-3 when he played.

Memorably, Paul scored 19 points on 6-12 shooting against the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Spiders in a 10-point win, and collected 13 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists in a March victory over the Bankstown Bruins, showing promise.

NBL General Manager of Next Stars Recruitment, Liam Santamaria, spoke on the improving pathways for Australian basketballers to reach the top level, with the NBL1 contributing, as Paul moves to a big Division One school in the States.

"Luke has earned this opportunity through his talent, work ethic and character," Santamaria said.

"The game is evolving, and so are the opportunities available to young players.

"We are proud to be a key part of Luke's journey and look forward to supporting him this season and beyond."

Paul committed in January to becoming an NBL Next Star, the youngest ever to sign with the program.

While he has been sidelined with injury thus far and is yet to represent the Cairns Taipans in the Hungry Jack's NBL27 Season, he is thrilled with the long-term outcome, yet isn't looking too far ahead.

"I'm excited about committing to Duke, as it's a dream come true, and I'm equally excited about giving absolutely everything I have to Cairns this season," Paul said.

The next challenge for Paul's Taipans will be against Melbourne United as they travel south for a Saturday showdown, starting from 7.30pm AEST, live on ESPN and the 9 Network.