In a significant development for Duke basketball, the Blue Devils have secured a commitment from veteran point guard Kerr Kriisa, who is transferring from Kentucky.
This move is poised to enhance Duke’s backcourt depth and experience as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Kriisa, a 6-foot-3 guard from Estonia, has had a dynamic collegiate journey. He began his career at Arizona, where he played for three seasons, before transferring to West Virginia. He then moved to Kentucky for the 2024–25 season. Unfortunately, his time with the Wildcats was marred by a season-ending foot injury sustained in a game against Gonzaga on December 7, limiting him to just nine appearances.
Despite the setback, Kriisa entered the transfer portal on March 31 and has now chosen to join Duke. His decision comes as a boost to the Blue Devils, who are looking to reinforce their roster following the departure of key players. Kriisa’s experience and playmaking abilities are expected to be valuable assets for Duke’s backcourt.
Meanwhile, Kentucky is undergoing a roster transformation under the leadership of head coach Mark Pope. The Wildcats have been active in the transfer portal, aiming to rebuild their lineup after several departures. Notably, Kentucky has reached out to Cade Tyson, a former North Carolina Tar Heels guard who recently entered the transfer portal. Tyson, a 6-foot-7 player, had a standout season at Belmont before transferring to North Carolina, where he saw limited playing time.
Additionally, Kentucky is in contention for Lamar Wilkerson, a transfer from Sam Houston State. Wilkerson is expected to make a decision between Kentucky and Indiana, with both programs actively pursuing him to bolster their backcourt.
As Duke welcomes Kriisa to their program, the Blue Devils are optimistic about the experience and leadership he brings. His addition is anticipated to have a positive impact on the team’s performance in the upcoming season.
