Since joining Duke University for the 2026 NCAA season, former standout Shooting Guard and Small Forward Nik Khamenia ’25 has made notable contributions for the top-ranked Blue Devils, averaging 5.7 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 18.4 minutes per game.
At the school, Khamenia helped lead the team to back-to-back CIF Open Division state championships in 2023 and 2024. As a senior, he was named the Mission League Most Valuable Player after averaging 18.0 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 7.6 assists per game for the school. Khamenia, a five-star prospect who was ranked fourth in the state and 15th nationally in 2025, accumulated several awards and accolades throughout his high school career, according to 247Sports. Khamenia was most notably named a McDonald’s All-American in 2025 and made three All-Mission League teams from 2023-2025, including one first team and two second teams.
In his collegiate debut against the University of Texas-Austin, Khamenia recorded four points, three rebounds and two assists in 18 minutes on Nov. 4. His highest-scoring games have been against Louisville University and Syracuse University, when he scored 14 points on Jan. 26 and Feb. 16. He scored 10 points and recorded nine rebounds in 34 minutes against Michigan State University on Dec. 6.
Duke currently holds a 24-2 record and a 13-1 conference record, the best in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). The Blue Devils are considered locked for a top seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament and have ranked No. 1 in the East Regional bracket for several weeks in the ESPN men’s basketball polls. Duke has been projected as the No. 1 seed in the East bracket in most rankings since November, according to ESPN Bracketology.
Khamenia has provided Duke with length and versatility off the bench, allowing the Blue Devils to maintain defensive intensity when rotating lineups. As postseason play begins, Khamenia’s experience in high-pressure games with the Wolverines could make him a valuable contributor in key tournament moments. Despite being a freshman, Khamenia should play some significant minutes throughout the tournament, though his overall production will likely drop as the competition increases.
