The Duke basketball program is facing a major transition heading into the 2025-26 season. After losing its entire starting five from the 2024-25 season, the Blue Devils are reloading with a mix of fresh talent and experienced players. While losing players like Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, Tyrese Proctor, and Khaman Maluach to the 2025 NBA Draft is a significant hit, head coach Jon Scheyer and his staff are already building a solid foundation for next year’s squad.
Duke’s Offseason Shakeup: A Lot to Replace
With four of last year’s starters declaring for the NBA Draft, and the fifth, Sion James, exhausting his college eligibility, the Blue Devils face a challenging offseason. James, who was a key contributor for Duke, is also expected to hear his name called on draft night. The loss of such significant talent left Scheyer with the difficult task of replenishing the team’s depth and experience.
But as we approach the start of the 2025-26 season, Duke basketball seems to have weathered the storm. With key players returning and new faces joining the roster, the program is well-positioned for another successful campaign.
Key Returnees for Duke Basketball
Despite the massive turnover, Duke has managed to retain a strong core of players who will bring experience and leadership to the team. Caleb Foster, Maliq Brown, Darren Harris, Patrick Ngongba II, and Isaiah Evans have all committed to returning for next season. Evans, however, will test the NBA Draft waters before making a final decision.
While the departure of last season’s stars could have left a hole, the Blue Devils have fortified their roster with talented returnees. Foster, Ngongba, and Harris bring a mix of experience, while Brown and Evans are expected to continue their development.
New Faces to Watch in Duke’s 2025-26 Lineup
In addition to the returning players, Duke has bolstered its roster with some key transfers and a strong recruiting class. Cedric Coward, a guard from Washington State, has committed to join the Blue Devils. As a senior, Coward will provide much-needed veteran leadership and experience to the backcourt.
Duke has also landed a highly ranked 2025 recruiting class. According to 247Sports, the Blue Devils have the #3 ranked recruiting class, adding further firepower to an already talented team. This combination of experienced players and fresh talent is setting Duke up for another deep run in the NCAA tournament.
Projected Starting Lineup for 2025-26
With a mix of returning players and new additions, Duke’s starting lineup is shaping up to be both versatile and dynamic. Here’s a look at the projected starting five:
- Caleb Foster (Junior) – A key returnee, Foster will be a focal point of the offense.
- Isaiah Evans (Sophomore) – Although testing the NBA waters, Evans is expected to make a major impact.
- Cedric Coward (Senior) – The transfer from Washington State will add experience to the backcourt.
- Cameron Boozer (Freshman) – A highly-touted recruit, Boozer is expected to step in right away and contribute.
- Patrick Ngongba II (Sophomore) – Ngongba is poised to play a major role on both ends of the floor.
Depth and Experience Across the Rotation
Beyond the starting lineup, Duke’s depth is looking solid. Players like Cayden Boozer (Freshman), Maliq Brown (Senior), Nik Khamenia (Freshman), Darren Harris (Sophomore), and Cameron Sheffield (Senior) will provide important contributions off the bench.
With such depth, Duke has the luxury of mixing and matching players to create mismatches on both offense and defense. The versatility of the roster will make the Blue Devils a tough opponent for anyone in the ACC and beyond.
Duke Basketball’s Strength: Length and Versatility
One of the hallmarks of Duke basketball under Jon Scheyer has been the team’s overwhelming length and versatility. Last season, the Blue Devils dominated on the defensive end, thanks to their size and athleticism. This will likely continue in 2025-26, with the shortest player in the projected rotation being Caleb Foster at 6’4″.
The Blue Devils’ length and versatility on both sides of the ball allow them to switch on defense, contest shots, and create fast-break opportunities on offense. With a lineup full of tall, athletic players, Duke’s defense should be as suffocating as ever.
A Perfect Mix of Talent and Experience
In today’s college basketball landscape, a blend of experienced players and talented newcomers is key to success. Duke has found that balance heading into the new season. While they may have lost some of their most prominent players, the Blue Devils are reloading with a mix of returning veterans, promising underclassmen, and talented newcomers.
The depth and experience on this team give them a solid chance to compete for an ACC title and make a deep run in the NCAA tournament.
Duke Basketball: A Bright Future Ahead
As the 2025-26 season approaches, there’s a palpable sense of optimism around the Duke basketball program. With an exciting mix of talent, experience, and versatility, the Blue Devils are poised to make waves in the ACC and in March Madness. The core players returning and the new recruits joining the team give Coach Jon Scheyer a well-rounded squad ready to take on the competition.
With the talent in place, the question isn’t if Duke will be a contender next season — it’s how far they can go. As always, the Blue Devils will be among the teams to watch as the college basketball season unfolds.