Isaiah Brown: A Couple of Reasons I Decided to Decommit from the Florida Gators and Play Basketball for Duke Instead
First off, I want to say how grateful I am to the University of Florida, Coach Golden, and the entire Gators staff for recruiting me and believing in my potential. It was never an easy decision to make, especially after building strong relationships with the coaching staff and fans in Gainesville. But after a lot of thought, prayer, and conversations with my family, I’ve decided to decommit from Florida and officially commit to Duke University to continue my basketball career.
There are a couple of key reasons why I made this decision, and I want to be open about them.
The first is the opportunity for growth—both on and off the court. When I visited Duke, I felt something different. The environment, the culture, the expectations—it all challenged me in a way that got me excited. Playing at Duke means competing with and against the best every single day, not just in the ACC but on a national level. I know that every practice, every game, and every moment on campus will push me to become the best version of myself. Coach Scheyer and his staff laid out a clear development plan for me—not just as a basketball player, but as a leader, a student, and a future professional.
The second reason is legacy. Duke has a tradition that speaks for itself. From the brotherhood to the banners, there’s a standard that comes with wearing that jersey. I grew up watching Duke on TV, seeing guys like Kyrie Irving, Jayson Tatum, Zion Williamson, and so many others who not only made a name for themselves at Duke but took that next step to the NBA. I want to be part of that legacy. I want to earn my spot, carry on that tradition, and add my own name to the story.
This wasn’t about leaving Florida—it was about going where I felt I was meant to be. I still have all the respect in the world for that program, and I’m thankful for the love they showed me during my recruitment. But deep down, I know Duke is the place for me.
To the Duke fans—thank you for the warm welcome already. I’m excited to get to work, wear that Blue Devil jersey with pride, and do whatever it takes to bring wins to Cameron Indoo