After taking an unconventional path through three different college programs, Duke Brennan is looking to turn his reputation as one of college basketball’s best rebounders into a professional opportunity with the Brooklyn Nets.
The 6-foot-10, 250-pound big man joins Brooklyn’s Summer League roster after going undrafted in the 2026 NBA Draft. Known for his relentless motor, physicality, and elite rebounding ability, Brennan will look to impress the Nets coaching staff as he competes for a training camp invitation and potentially a spot with the Long Island Nets next season.
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College Career
Brennan began his collegiate career at Arizona State, appearing in 36 games as a freshman while gaining valuable experience at the Power Five level. After one season with the Sun Devils, he transferred to Grand Canyon, where his game began to take off.
Over two seasons with the Lopes, Brennan developed into one of the Western Athletic Conference’s top frontcourt players. He started 65 games, earned Second Team All-WAC honors during his junior season and helped Grand Canyon reach the NCAA Tournament. His combination of physical play, efficient scoring and relentless rebounding made him one of the conference’s most productive big men.
For his senior season, Brennan transferred to Villanova to play under first-year head coach Kevin Willard. The move proved to be the best decision of his college career, as he enjoyed his most productive season while serving as the veteran leader of a rebuilt Wildcats roster.
Starting all 32 games, Brennan averaged 12.4 points, 10.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.5 blocks while shooting an impressive 65.8 percent from the field in 31.0 minutes per game. He finished among the nation’s top rebounders, recording numerous double-doubles and consistently controlling the glass on both ends of the floor.
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One of the most memorable performances of his career came early in the season when he collected a career-high 20 rebounds against Queens, becoming the first Villanova player to reach the 20-rebound mark since Daniel Ochefu accomplished the feat in 2015.
Professional Outlook
Brennan went undrafted in the 2026 NBA Draft before earning a Summer League opportunity with Brooklyn. While he isn’t considered a traditional NBA prospect with high-end upside, his ability to dominate the glass and embrace a physical role gives him a chance to earn a professional contract.
Summer League will serve as Brennan’s first opportunity to prove he can impact games against NBA-level competition. A strong showing could put him in contention for an Exhibit 10 contract, a training camp invitation or a spot with the Long Island Nets as he begins his professional career.
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Scouting Report
Brennan’s greatest strength is his rebounding.
He plays with a nonstop motor and consistently wins possessions through effort, positioning, and toughness. Whether crashing the offensive glass for second-chance opportunities or cleaning up defensive rebounds, Brennan has shown throughout his college career that he can control the paint without needing plays designed for him.
Offensively, Brennan is an efficient interior scorer who thrives as a screener, roller and finisher around the basket. He shot nearly 66 percent from the field during his senior season thanks to his ability to finish through contact and make smart decisions with the ball. He’s also an underrated passer for a big man, showing good awareness when operating out of the post or making quick reads to open teammates.
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The biggest questions surrounding Brennan’s NBA projection come on the defensive end. While he competes with great effort, he isn’t an elite rim protector or particularly switchable defender, and his lack of perimeter shooting limits his offensive versatility. Brennan attempted just three three-pointers during his four-year college career, making him a traditional interior big in an era that increasingly values floor spacing.
How He Fits With Brooklyn
Brooklyn has consistently used Summer League and Exhibit 10 contracts to identify developmental players who excel in specific roles, and Brennan’s rebounding immediately stands out as an NBA-caliber skill.
His willingness to do the dirty work, set hard screens, battle for rebounds, and play within an offense makes him an intriguing developmental option for the organization. While earning an NBA roster spot will be an uphill battle, Brennan appears to be a strong candidate to spend next season with the Long Island Nets if he performs well throughout Summer League.
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If he can continue impacting games with his energy, rebounding, and physical play while proving he can defend at the professional level, Brennan could allow himself to remain in Brooklyn’s developmental pipeline.
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