USC junior guard Desmond Claude has entered the transfer portal in a surprising move following a standout season with the Trojans. A 6-foot-6 playmaker, Claude led USC in scoring during the 2024–25 campaign, averaging 15.8 points, 4.2 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game on 48.2% shooting. Despite his success, he’s now seeking his third program in four years.
Claude began his college career at Xavier before transferring to USC. As a high school standout at Putnam Science Academy in Connecticut, he earned a four-star rating and was ranked No. 86 nationally by the 247Sports Composite.
With his name in the portal, Claude is drawing interest from several top programs, including Gonzaga, Duke, Virginia, Ole Miss, and Kentucky. Duke made early contact this past weekend, per ESPN’s Jeff Borzello, as the Blue Devils seek to strengthen their backcourt heading into the 2025–26 season.
The interest comes after a stellar year for Duke under third-year head coach Jon Scheyer. The Blue Devils went 35–4, captured the ACC regular-season and tournament titles, earned a #1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, and reached the Final Four before falling to Houston in a tight 70–67 game.
With key contributors Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, Tyrese Proctor, and Sion James all declaring for the NBA Draft, Duke is reloading, and Claude could be a crucial piece. His scoring ability and playmaking could provide immediate impact on a roster built to contend.
As Claude weighs his options, factors like playing time, fit, and style of play will play key roles in his decision. In today’s era of college basketball “free agency,” moves like his could shape the next championship run.
