Despite falling short of a national title in 2025, Duke enjoyed one of the most successful seasons in program history without cutting down the nets.
The Blue Devils finished with 35 wins, captured both ACC championships, and made their first Final Four appearance under head coach Jon Scheyer. Now entering his fourth season, Scheyer aims to end the program’s decade-long title drought. Freshman standout Cooper Flagg, who earned National Player of the Year honors, led a stacked roster.
Duke Basketball Sets Sights on National Championship with New Additions and Fresh Talent
Duke’s 2025-26 roster will feature a dramatic transformation. The Blue Devils are losing their entire starting five, including NBA-bound Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, Tyrese Proctor, Khaman Maluach, and graduate transfers Sion James and Mason Gillis.
However, head coach Jon Scheyer has accomplished a rare feat—Duke is one of only three major programs, alongside Tennessee and Boston University, not to lose a scholarship player to the transfer portal this offseason.
Key returnees, including Isaiah Evans, Maliq Brown, Darren Harris, Caleb Foster, and Patrick Ngongba II, will play pivotal roles next season. These players now serve as the foundation for the Blue Devils’ lineup.
While no transfer has been officially added, Scheyer and his staff target several impactful players. Cedric Coward, a 6’6″ slasher and sharpshooter, stands out as a potential addition. Coward, who averaged 17.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.7 blocks per game at Washington State before a shoulder injury, is reportedly deciding between Duke and Alabama.
His commitment could bring scoring and defensive versatility to a team facing significant departures. Additionally, Duke is pursuing experienced guards and frontcourt players to address leadership gaps and provide depth. A primary focus is on bringing in a lead guard for ball-handling and defense, and bolstering the frontcourt to support the young core.
Evans, Ngongba, and Brown are expected to play key roles. Evans demonstrated explosive scoring ability as a freshman, while Ngongba, a surprise contributor, could become a double-double threat with added development. Brown, a versatile defender, missed games due to injury but, with a healthy shoulder, could be a major asset next season.
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Duke’s top-ranked 2025 recruiting class, led by projected top-3 NBA pick Cameron Boozer, will further enhance the roster. Despite a decommitment from Shelton Henderson, the class remains one of the nation’s finest. It would be interesting to see how this class will take its shape and present itself on the higher stage.
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