Breaking News: Four-Star Center Stanley Borden Decommits from Duke Blue Devils, Flips Commitment to Missouri Tigers After Snubbing $62 Million Offer from Kentucky in Favor of LSU

Breaking News: Four-Star Center Stanley Borden Decommits from Duke Blue Devils, Flips Commitment to Missouri Tigers After Snubbing $62 Million Offer from Kentucky in Favor of LSU

In a whirlwind recruiting twist that’s sending shockwaves through the college basketball landscape, four-star center Stanley Borden has officially decommitted from the Duke Blue Devils and announced his commitment to the Missouri Tigers. The 7-foot-1 phenom, regarded as one of the top frontcourt prospects in the 2025 class, made headlines not only for the sudden school switch but also for turning down a staggering $62 million NIL offer reportedly from the Kentucky Wildcats.

Borden’s recruitment has been a saga of drama, hype, and high-stakes decision-making. Initially pledging to Duke in early January, the New York native seemed locked in with Coach Jon Scheyer’s future plans. But behind the scenes, sources close to Borden’s camp cited “concerns about program fit and long-term development” as factors leading to his departure from Durham.

What’s stunned analysts even more is the route Borden chose after backing out of his Duke commitment. While powerhouse programs like Kentucky and LSU aggressively pursued the towering center—with Kentucky allegedly tabling one of the largest NIL deals in recent memory—Borden shocked the recruiting world by choosing Missouri. In an emotional Instagram Live session on Tuesday night, Borden stated, “This is about legacy, not just money. I want to build something. Missouri showed me love from Day 1, and I believe in Coach Gates’ vision.”

Dennis Gates, Missouri’s rising head coach, has now scored the biggest recruit of his tenure—a player many believe could become a program-changer in Columbia. Gates, already praised for his player development acumen and defensive philosophies, now has the blueprint to turn Missouri into an SEC contender.

Missouri fans took to social media in celebration, praising the humility and maturity behind Borden’s decision. “Stanley is different,” one user posted on X (formerly Twitter). “This kid could’ve chased the biggest bag, but he chose heart and loyalty.”

The fallout has been swift. Duke fans expressed mixed reactions—some expressing frustration over the loss, others wishing Borden success. Meanwhile, Kentucky fans are reeling from what they see as a missed opportunity. The $62 million NIL package, reportedly bolstered by partnerships with multiple brands and sports agencies, was widely seen as a deal-clincher. Yet Borden ultimately spurned the Wildcats, a move insiders say was rooted in his reluctance to be seen as just a marketing asset.

To add another twist, Borden had also reportedly been in deep talks with LSU, who presented a highly competitive NIL structure of their own—rumored to include long-term endorsement projections tied to NBA Draft preparations. LSU had gained momentum late, especially after their Elite Eight run in 2024. But in the end, Missouri’s consistent approach and focus on Borden’s growth on and off the court sealed the deal.

Recruiting analysts are now reevaluating their projections for the 2025 class, with Missouri’s class shooting up the national rankings. Borden, ranked No. 12 overall by ESPN and No. 3 among centers, brings elite rim protection, rebounding, and a developing offensive game. His presence will be a cornerstone for a Tigers squad looking to make noise in the SEC next season.

This recruiting flip could also ripple into future decisions from other top players in the class, particularly those still weighing offers from blue-blood programs versus newer, rising contenders with strong development records and innovative NIL strategies.

As the NIL era continues to reshape college basketball, Borden’s choice underscores a growing narrative: for some athletes

, it’s not just about the bag—it’s about where they believe they’ll thrive, make a legacy, and rewrite the story on their terms.