The Duke Basketball roster is entering a new era for the 2025-26 season. With several key departures to the NBA and a promising new transfer in Cedric Coward, Jon Scheyer is preparing his squad for another deep NCAA Tournament run.
Cedric Coward Joins the Blue Devils
In its first major offseason move from the transfer portal, Duke landed a significant addition: Washington State graduate transfer Cedric Coward. The 6-foot-6 wing from Fresno, California, averaged an impressive 17.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in just six games before a shoulder injury ended his 2024 season early. Despite the injury, Coward’s impact was undeniable.
Now fully recovered, Coward brings veteran experience, athleticism, and scoring versatility to a Blue Devils team looking to reload after losing several stars to the NBA Draft. His transfer marks the beginning of Duke’s 2025-26 rebuild, and he’s expected to play a key role next to returning players like Caleb Foster and Isaiah Evans.
Returning Players: Foster and Evans Lead the Way
Caleb Foster, a former top recruit, is returning for his junior season. After losing his starting spot during the 2024 campaign, Foster looks to bounce back and take on a leadership role in the backcourt. Last season, he averaged 4.9 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.4 assists across 38 games.
Also returning is Isaiah Evans, a dynamic guard/forward who showed flashes of brilliance during his freshman year. Evans, who came off the bench in most games, averaged 6.8 points and has drawn comparisons to former Blue Devil Brandon Ingram. With another year of development, Evans could be poised for a breakout season.
Supporting Cast: Brown, Ngongba, and Harris
Maliq Brown, a junior forward, is back after a season hampered by injuries. He only played 26 games, but his defensive contributions were key when he was on the court. Expect Brown to be a cornerstone of Duke’s defense this season.
Patrick Ngongba II, a sophomore center, will continue to develop his post game after averaging 3.9 points and 2.7 rebounds in his freshman year. Darren Harris, another second-year player, is a prime candidate to earn more minutes and offensive opportunities after a quiet debut season.
Who’s Gone: A Star-Studded Exodus
The Duke Basketball roster will look very different this season following the departure of several key players to the NBA:
- Cooper Flagg, the projected No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, declared for the pros after a spectacular freshman campaign. Flagg averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists while leading Duke to a Final Four appearance.
- Kon Knueppel, another freshman standout, is also heading to the NBA. He shot over 40% from three and averaged 14.4 points per game, making him a projected top-10 pick.
- Tyrese Proctor, a veteran presence in Duke’s backcourt, also declared for the NBA Draft after averaging 12.4 points and 3.0 rebounds.
- Khaman Maluach, the 7-foot-2 center and one of the best defenders in college basketball, is also off to the draft. He averaged 8.6 points and 6.6 rebounds and is widely projected as a lottery pick.
Additionally, Sion James and Mason Gillis both ran out of eligibility, leaving further gaps in Duke’s rotation.
New Faces: A Star-Studded Recruiting Class
Despite the high-profile departures, Duke’s 2025 recruiting class has fans buzzing. Ranked No. 1 in the nation by 247Sports, this incoming group features elite talent ready to step in immediately:
- Cameron Boozer, the son of Duke legend Carlos Boozer, is the headline recruit. The five-star forward is a projected top-three pick in the 2026 NBA Draft and brings elite scoring and rebounding to Durham.
- Cayden Boozer, Cameron’s twin brother, is a four-star guard who adds depth and playmaking to Duke’s backcourt.
- Nikolas Khamenia, a five-star forward from California, is a McDonald’s All-American who chose Duke over top programs like UCLA, Gonzaga, and North Carolina. He brings a blend of size, athleticism, and scoring ability.
One setback in recruiting came when Shelton Henderson, a top-15 forward, decommitted and signed with Miami. But with the Boozer twins and Khamenia on board, Duke remains loaded with future NBA talent.
The Jon Scheyer Era: Year 4 Outlook
As Coach Jon Scheyer enters his fourth year at the helm, the pressure is on. The Duke Basketball roster has transformed from an experienced team to one filled with new faces and young stars. The additions of Cedric Coward and the nation’s top recruiting class give the Blue Devils both veteran presence and long-term upside.
The Blue Devils have retooled rather than rebuilt, and with a mix of proven talent and promising newcomers, expectations remain high in Durham.
Final Thoughts
The 2025-26 Duke Basketball roster is one of the most intriguing in the nation. With big-name players heading to the NBA and elite newcomers stepping in, fans can expect another exciting ride. If Coward returns to form and the incoming freshmen meet their hype, Jon Scheyer’s squad could be right back in Final Four contention.