UConn is attempting to make a splashy addition in the transfer portal.
While the Huskies are now considered unlikely to land Donnie Freeman after he canceled his visit, Dan Hurley and Co. may be adding another former five-star recruit.
UConn Nearing Commitment From Former 5-Star Recruit Nik Khamenia?
Hurley’s Huskies continue to build serious momentum in its pursuit of former five-star recruit Nik Khamenia. According to college basketball insider Jeff Goodman, there is growing belief that Khamenia will ultimately land in Storrs, and one 247Sports Crystal Ball prediction has already placed UConn as the frontrunner in his recruitment.
“Just an educated guess: Nik Khamenia to UConn,” Goodman posted.
Khamenia was ranked as a top-15 prospect in the 2025 recruiting class, and he fits the profile of a versatile glue guy who can contribute to winning at a championship level. He entered the transfer portal last week after a strong freshman season at Duke, where he carved out a meaningful role in the rotation.
Khamenia is coming off a season in which he appeared in all 38 games for the Blue Devils, who won a second consecutive ACC Tournament title. He averaged 5.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game for Duke, while shooting 44.4% from the field, 34.0% from beyond the arc, and 67.3% from the free-throw line.
Khamenia’s long-term upside have made him an appealing transfer-portal target and a favorite across the scouting community.
“Nik Khamenia started the year as a projected first-round pick on my draft board, and I fully expect him to be back there,” DraftExpress’ Jonathan Givony tweeted. “He’s going to drive winning next year with his combination of connective passing, toughness, skill, and improving shot-making. Turned 19 in late December.”
UConn’s interest seems to have intensified after Khamenia made a surprise visit to Storrs on Wednesday. The Huskies may be stealing Khamenia away from Duke just weeks after they mounted a comeback from 19 points down to eliminate the No. 1 seed in in the NCAA Tournament. The game ended with a dramatic late three-pointer from Braylon Mullins in a 73-72 finish.
Duke finished the season with a 35-3 record, but the loss to UConn still stings and will be the defining moment of the campaign. Losing a player like Khamenia would already sting for the Blue Devils. However, the possibility of him joining the very team that knocked them out of the NCAA Tournament in heartbreaking fashion makes this even harder to swallow.
With that said, UConn hasn’t locked up Khamenia just yet, as several high-major programs are expected to aggressively pursue him as well. Arizona has also been mentioned as a potential landing spot due to his West Coast background and former connections with Tommy Lloyd.
It remains to be seen where Khamenia will land, but UConn is certainly gaining traction as the landing spot if the recent rumblings are to be believed.
