Duke Recruit Heads to FIBA U19 World Cup

Rising Star Nikolas Khamenia to Represent USA

Duke basketball fans have reason to be excited. Five-star recruit Nikolas Khamenia is set to compete in the FIBA U19 Men’s World Cup, bolstering the team’s future prospects after recent departures.

Khamenia’s International Opportunity

Nikolas Khamenia, a 6-foot-8 forward committed to Duke, will be part of Team USA’s under-19 squad. He will represent the United States at the FIBA U19 Men’s World Cup, which begins June 28th in Switzerland.

Recruiting Success

Despite key players declaring for the NBA Draft, including Cooper Flagg, Duke has successfully rebuilt its roster. The team looks to maintain its competitive edge. They fell short in the Final Four last season.

Khamenia, a highly-regarded prospect, made the team after tryouts that included over 30 players.

Family Ties and Prep School Background

Khamenia, who grew up near Los Angeles, attended Harvard-Westlake School, a prestigious prep school. His father, Valery, played college basketball at George Washington and currently coaches at Los Angeles Valley College.

“With a recruiting class that is considered amongst the best in the nation, Duke looks set to remain a powerhouse.”

—Athlon Sports

According to 247 Sports, Khamenia is a five-star recruit. This season, the average college basketball game had 68.9 points, a slight increase from the previous year (NCAA 2024).

Looking Ahead

Khamenia, with offers from several prominent basketball schools, is one of the top prospects in the 2025 class. His participation in the FIBA U19 Men’s World Cup is a significant step in his development.