Podcast Episodes

Penn State's PJ Duke on U20 World Title Run!

Published August 20th, 2025 by Justin Basch

Fresh off a U20 World Title, PJ Duke joins the show to talk about his journey from bronze last year to gold this year, what it means to be part of Team USA and Penn State’s powerhouse lineup, and how he’s balancing juniors with eyes on senior-level goals. We cover the wild Iranian match finish, the KD coaching influence, making the transition to Penn State, and whether he’ll redshirt. Plus, fan Q&A and fun hypotheticals like who wins: Aaron Pico of 2015 or PJ Duke of 2025.

0:00 - Winning a U20 World Title
01:50 - Bronze Last Year to Gold This Year
03:00 - Being A Part Of This Team
03:45 - The Penn State Team
05:25 - The Iranian Match Finish
06:50 - Focusing on Juniors & Being Present
07:30 - The KD Coaching Perspective
10:00 - Transitioning Focus to Senior Worlds
10:50 - Final X Series with Yianni
15:00 - Representing New York
16:15 - Making the Transition to Penn State
18:30 - Will PJ Redshirt?
19:45 - Taking out NCAA Champions
23:00 - Who Wins: Pico of 2015/PJ of 2025
25:00 - Fan Q&A
35:30 - Being a Part of the Class of 2025

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