Sean Stewart: From Duke Phenom to Oregon Standout – A Journey of Athleticism and Growth…Read More….

Sean Stewart: From Duke Phenom to Oregon Standout – A Journey of Athleticism and Growth…Read More….

Sean Stewart emerged as one of the most athletic prospects in the 2023 college basketball recruiting class. A 6-foot-9 forward from Windermere, Florida, Stewart was a five-star recruit according to Rivals and ranked among the nation’s top 20 players. His explosive leaping ability drew immediate comparisons to Duke legends—he set the program’s standing vertical leap record at 36 inches in October 2023, surpassing Zion Williamson’s previous mark of 35.5 inches.

Stewart committed to Duke in December 2021 over offers from Michigan, Georgetown, and others, fulfilling a lifelong dream of wearing the Blue Devils uniform. The son of former NBA player Michael Stewart, who starred at California before spending eight seasons in the league, Sean brought both pedigree and raw talent to Durham. At Montverde Academy, one of the nation’s premier high school programs, he refined his skills against elite competition and earned McDonald’s All-American honors.

His freshman season at Duke in 2023-24 proved a learning curve. Playing behind established forwards like Mark Mitchell and Kyle Filipowski, Stewart averaged 2.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 0.5 blocks in just 8.4 minutes over 33 games. Still, flashes of his potential appeared—most notably in a game against NC State, where he scored 12 points with five rebounds and three blocks in extended action. His athleticism allowed him to finish emphatically at the rim and disrupt opponents on defense.

Seeking greater opportunity, Stewart entered the transfer portal in April 2024, becoming the seventh Duke player to do so that offseason. He landed at Ohio State, where he thrived during the 2024-25 season. Starting 30 games for the Buckeyes, the sophomore averaged 5.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, 0.7 steals, and 0.9 blocks in 18.4 minutes per game. His rebounding and shot-blocking became standout traits, highlighting the defensive versatility that scouts admired—he could guard multiple positions thanks to his mobility and length.

Never one to settle, Stewart transferred again in May 2025, committing to Oregon under coach Dana Altman. Now a junior in the 2025-26 season, Stewart has stepped into a larger role with the Ducks in the Pac-12. Averaging approximately 7.3 points and 5.6 rebounds in 21.7 minutes per game, he provides energy off the bench and has started in key contests, including filling in for injured teammates. Recent highlights include a season-high 13 rebounds in a dominant win, underscoring his prowess on the glass.

At just 20 years old, Stewart’s ceiling remains high. His explosive athleticism, rebounding instincts, and steadily improving mid-range game make him a projected second-round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. From breaking Duke records to forging his path through the transfer era, Sean Stewart embodies the modern college basketball journey: adapting, growing, and chasing greatness wherever it leads.