Over the past few weeks, Duke Basketball fans have been on the edge of their seats, anxiously watching the roster changes that are shaping up for the 2025-26 season. The focus has largely been on who the Blue Devils might lose, and it’s no surprise given the high-profile departures that are expected.
This includes the freshman trio of Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, and Khaman Maluach, who were all presumed top-10 picks in the upcoming NBA Draft. These players were almost always destined for the next level, and their departures had long been anticipated. However, the status of junior guard Tyrese Proctor had fans guessing. Would he stay another year, or would he declare for the draft as well?
After a tumultuous period that saw seven transfer-portal departures the previous year, many assumed head coach Jon Scheyer would face another roster shakeup. But in a surprise turn, Duke Basketball has defied expectations. When the dust settled, the Blue Devils stood out as one of only three college basketball programs without a player in the transfer portal.
While Tyrese Proctor ultimately chose to enter the NBA Draft, the other three members of the 2024 recruiting class—Isaiah Evans, Patrick Ngongba II, and Darren Harris—all decided to return for their sophomore seasons at Duke. This was a huge win for Scheyer and the program, and it gives fans plenty of reason to be optimistic about the upcoming season.
But even with some stability, Duke Basketball now faces a critical question: Who else does Jon Scheyer need to add to his roster before next season?
The Current Roster Situation at Duke Basketball
As things stand, Duke Basketball’s roster for the 2025-26 season has nine players committed. This includes Isaiah Evans, Darren Harris, and Patrick Ngongba II, the three returning sophomores, along with Maliq Brown, the senior forward, and Caleb Foster, the junior guard. The incoming freshman class is also strong, headlined by five-star Cameron Boozer, who is expected to play a significant role right from the start.
For context, last season, Duke had 10 players who averaged at least 10 minutes per game. Harris, who logged about 6 minutes per game, would have been the 11th member of the rotation if he had received more consistent playing time. So, with a roster of only nine players, it’s clear that more depth is needed.
What Duke Needs to Add
With only nine players currently on the 2025-26 roster, Jon Scheyer finds himself in a position where he might need to bring in two or three more players from the transfer portal. The roster is lacking both upperclassmen and experienced depth, which makes adding transfers a priority for Scheyer if he wants to maintain competitiveness and stability.
In particular, Maliq Brown and Caleb Foster are the only two upperclassmen on the roster as of now, which only strengthens the argument for more experienced transfers. The freshmen, including Cameron Boozer, are undeniably talented, but the Blue Devils will need more veteran presence and maturity to round out the team.
If Scheyer doesn’t bring in transfers, he’ll be relying on newcomers like Nikolas Khamenia (a five-star forward) and Cayden Boozer (a four-star point guard) to step up and contribute significant minutes right away. While both are highly talented, this situation would put a lot of pressure on them, especially in a program with the high expectations that come with Duke Basketball.
Potential Transfer Targets for Duke Basketball
Thankfully, Jon Scheyer and his staff are already making moves to address these roster gaps. One key player who could bolster the Blue Devils’ roster is Cedric Coward, a transfer from Washington State. Coward, a talented forward, is reportedly deciding between Duke, the Alabama Crimson Tide, and the NBA Draft. The fact that Duke is actively pursuing him indicates that the program is looking to add some experienced players, especially in the frontcourt.
Beyond Coward, Duke is also keeping an eye on other transfer portal prospects. After Braydon Hawthorne de-committed from West Virginia, Scheyer and his staff quickly shifted focus to the four-star forward, who could make an immediate impact on the team next season. Hawthorne is highly regarded for his potential, and adding him to the roster would further solidify the Blue Devils’ depth.
It’s clear that Scheyer is taking a strategic approach to the transfer portal this offseason. Given the need for experience, adding a couple of transfers could give Duke Basketball the balance it needs to be a serious contender in the 2025-26 NCAA Tournament.
What This Means for Duke Basketball’s 2025-26 Season
As things stand, Duke Basketball is in a strong position for the upcoming season, but there are still holes to fill. The current roster is loaded with talent, especially in the freshman class, but the Blue Devils are a team that thrives on depth. The lack of experienced upperclassmen will be a challenge, and it’s clear that Jon Scheyer needs to make moves in the transfer portal to bring in veterans who can contribute immediately.
The good news for Duke fans is that the program’s history of success, along with its attractive facilities, resources, and coaching staff, will continue to draw top players from the portal. Whether it’s adding a player like Cedric Coward or Braydon Hawthorne, Scheyer is actively working to ensure that Duke Basketball remains a powerhouse in 2025-26.
If Scheyer can successfully bolster the roster with a few more experienced players, then Duke will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with in the NCAA Tournament next season.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Duke Basketball is in the process of reshaping its roster for the 2025-26 season, and while there’s already plenty of talent on board, Jon Scheyer has more work to do. The key will be adding a couple of transfers to provide depth and experience, ensuring that the team has the right balance to compete for another national championship.
With an eye on the NCAA Transfer Portal, Scheyer will likely find the pieces he needs to complete his roster and keep Duke Basketball among the top programs in the country.