The Duke Blue Devils’ roster is about to look completely different heading into the 2025-26 season.
That’s been part of Jon Scheyer’s strategy from the start — Duke remains a magnet for top high school recruits, meaning regular roster turnover as players jump early to the NBA Draft.
Following the 2024-25 season, Duke is expected to lose four starters to the 2025 NBA Draft. Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, and Sion James have already declared. James, a fifth-year senior, had no eligibility left. Khaman Maluach hasn’t made an official announcement yet, but as a projected top-10 pick, his departure feels almost certain.
Still, the Blue Devils received some good news: Isaiah Evans chose to return for his sophomore year instead of heading to the draft. Evans had a limited role as a freshman, but he showed flashes of brilliance and could’ve been selected in the late first round had he declared.
With Evans back and a powerhouse freshman class incoming, Jon Scheyer is assembling another serious contender for the NCAA Tournament.
Duke’s Updated Depth Chart After the NCAA Transfer Portal Window
Here’s a look at Duke’s projected lineup heading into the 2025-26 season:
| PG | SG | SF | PF | C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caleb Foster (Jr.) | Isaiah Evans (So.) | Nikolas Khamenia (Fr.) | Cameron Boozer (Fr.) | Maliq Brown (Sr.) |
| Cayden Boozer (Fr.) | Cameron Sheffield (Sr.) | Darren Harris (So.) | Patrick Ngongba II (So.) |
Cooper Flagg made history at Duke, becoming only the fourth freshman ever to win the Wooden Award. Now, Cameron Boozer could be next. Boozer, just 17 years old, brings elite versatility, size (6-foot-9), and a well-rounded skill set that mirrors Flagg’s dominance. He’s expected to be one of the best players in college basketball almost immediately.
Joining Boozer in the starting lineup is sophomore Isaiah Evans and freshman Nikolas Khamenia. Evans has a lethal three-point shot and should thrive with a bigger role. Khamenia, ranked No. 15 by 247Sports, is a smart, skilled wing who processes the game quickly and could quietly climb NBA draft boards like Knueppel did.
At point guard, Duke fans will closely watch how things shake out. Caleb Foster will likely start. A former top recruit, Foster has shown flashes but struggled with consistency. This season could be his breakout — or it could open the door for freshman Cayden Boozer. Cayden brings great size and playmaking ability, though he’ll need to prove he can score efficiently against college defenses.
Center is another question mark. Senior Maliq Brown, while experienced, stands just 6-foot-8 and doesn’t offer elite rim protection. Patrick Ngongba II, who missed time last season due to injury, could push for more minutes. He’s a strong shot-blocker and physical presence down low, something Duke may desperately need.
The NCAA Transfer Portal’s Impact on Duke
While Duke’s 2025-26 roster looks strong on paper, there’s still room to add pieces. The NCAA Transfer Portal remains an important tool for Jon Scheyer.
Duke is always a major player in the portal, using it to patch gaps left by early NBA departures or unexpected roster moves. Even with one of the best incoming freshman classes, the Blue Devils could seek an experienced point guard or a true rim-protecting center through transfers.
At this point, though, the core group looks ready for another deep tournament run. With Scheyer’s coaching, the returning experience of players like Isaiah Evans, and the elite talent of newcomers like Cameron Boozer, Duke basketball fans have plenty to be excited about.
The 2025-26 season could be another special year in Durham — with the NCAA Transfer Portal continuing to reshape how championship rosters are built.