Duke is under growing pressure this offseason after striking out on key transfer targets, a troubling sign in the wake of Cooper Flagg declaring for the NBA Draft. Flagg, a projected No. 1 pick in 2025, led Duke in scoring, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks during a Final Four run that now feels distant.
His anticipated exit creates a massive void in production and leadership. The situation worsens with freshmen Kon Knueppel and Khaman Maluach also likely to go pro, leaving head coach Jon Scheyer to retool quickly amid rising skepticism.
Blue Devils Under Pressure Following Cooper Flagg Departure, Roster Hits
Duke finds itself at a crossroads following the departure of freshman phenom Cooper Flagg, who officially declared for the NBA Draft after leading the Blue Devils to a Final Four appearance. The loss of Flagg, widely projected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 draft, marks the beginning of a critical offseason that has already tested the program’s ability to reload.
The 6-foot-9 forward out of Montverde Academy delivered one of the most dominant freshman campaigns in Duke history, averaging 18.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.3 blocks per game.
Even after missing part of the ACC Tournament due to an ankle injury, Flagg returned in time to fuel Duke’s postseason run. A product of Newport, Maine, Flagg’s impact extended far beyond the box score, and his exit leaves a void that Jon Scheyer’s staff is scrambling to fill.
However, the Blue Devils have yet to land a marquee name from the transfer portal, raising concerns about the program’s immediate future. As Jeff Goodman said on The Field of 68,
“They didn’t add anybody yet. They didn’t add any of the big names.”
Goodman pointed out the stark difference between this year’s roster and last year’s dominant squad.
“It does not terrify me,” he said, acknowledging that the Blue Devils no longer have the same intimidating presence. If I’m a team in the ACC right now, it’s not like last year. They scared the out of me.”
Among the players Duke has missed out on is Princeton’s Xavian Lee, and while early buzz suggested interest in Andrej Stojaković, that trail seems to have gone cold. One of the more realistic targets now is Cedric Coward, a versatile wing from Washington State, who is expected to choose between Duke and Alabama while navigating the draft process.
Still, the current roster has drawn skepticism. Duke lacks the intimidation factor it had with Flagg. With other top freshmen like Kon Knueppel and Khaman Maluach also expected to go pro, the roster’s depth is under question.
KEEP READING: 2025 Men’s College Basketball Transfer Portal Tracker
Duke’s staff also lost Shelton Henderson, who followed assistant Jay Lucas to Miami, further compounding the offseason challenges. While rising stars like Cameron Boozer offer future promise, the pressure to win now lingers.
“I think if I’m Jon Scheyer, I got to get another dude out of the portal,” said Goodman.
Time is running out, and the Blue Devils know it.
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