Caden Pierce’s Transfer Journey: Duke, UConn, and Beyond for Ivy League Standout
A highly sought-after transfer, Caden Pierce, the 2023-24 Ivy League Player of the Year, is currently navigating a series of high-profile college visits as he seeks a new home for his final year of eligibility.
The 6-foot-7, 225-pound forward from Princeton announced his intention to enter the transfer portal in early September, and his recruitment has quickly gained momentum. Pierce recently visited Duke University, observing the Blue Devils secure a narrow 67-66 victory over the defending national champion Florida Gators on December 21, 2024, while seated behind the bench in Cameron Indoor Stadium.
UConn Visit Coincides with Championship Defense
Currently, Pierce is in Storrs, Connecticut, officially visiting with Dan Hurley’s UConn Huskies. This visit strategically coincides with the Huskies’ Tuesday night matchup against the Butler Bulldogs, allowing Pierce to experience the atmosphere of the recent back-to-back national champions firsthand.
A Growing List of Suitors
Thus far, Pierce’s visit schedule includes Duke and Grand Canyon University. Following his time at UConn, he is scheduled to visit Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington, on Friday, January 2, and then Louisville, Kentucky, to explore the Louisville Cardinals program on Tuesday, January 13. As of now, there is no confirmed timeline for when Pierce intends to make his final decision.
Duke’s Transfer Success and Familiar Faces
Duke has seen success with transfers under head coach Jon Scheyer, with current senior forward Maliq Brown serving as a prime example of a player who has thrived in Durham. Adding to the potential appeal of Duke is the presence of Jack Scott, a former Princeton teammate and close friend of Pierce, who is currently a Blue Devil senior and plans to remain with the program as a graduate assistant next season.
Furthermore, Pierce shares a geographical connection with both Scheyer and the legendary retired Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski, as he hails from the Chicagoland area.
A Look Back at Pierce’s Princeton Career
During his third season with the Princeton Tigers, Pierce averaged 11.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.0 steals, contributing to a 19-11 overall record and an 8-6 mark in Ivy League play. While a solid campaign, these numbers represented a slight decrease from his standout sophomore season. In 2023-24, he earned Ivy League Player of the Year honors, averaging 16.6 points per game while shooting 54.6% from the field and 34.2% from three-point range, leading Princeton to a 24-5 overall record.
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