The winds of change have been blowing through Durham. And Jon Scheyer’s Blue Devils are right in the eye of the storm. Duke has Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, and Khaman Maluach all leaving for the NBA courts.
This offseason is all about getting the talent in. And Scheyer wasn’t bluffing. The Duke staff has gone all in on the recruiting frenzy and is combing through the transfer portal. So, who are the five blue-chip ballers that could define Duke’s next chapter?
Top 5 Players Joining Blue Devils for the Upcoming Season
1. Dame Sarr
This one seems like fate. The five-star wing Dame Sarr had Duke on his vision board for years. But it took a little push from a former Blue Devil to make it real. Sarr has credited Jabari Parker, his teammate in Barcelona this past season, for sealing the deal. “Duke was my dream school,” Sarr told ESPN. “… I played with Jabari Parker this season… When I had a chance to go there, I had to take it.”
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Parker was once the No. 2 NBA Draft pick and found a second wind in Europe. Now, his mentorship brings Sarr to Durham. At 6’7”, Sarr brings versatility, scoring instincts, and Euro-tested maturity.
2. Cameron Boozer
Cameron Boozer isn’t just another top-five recruit. He is basketball royalty. He is the son of two-time NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer. Cameron has been untouchable when it comes to high-school rankings.
Cameron led the EYBL circuit in points and rebounds, claimed back-to-back MVPs with USA Basketball, and dropped 24 and 13 in the U17 World Cup final. He chose Duke over Miami and Florida, and fans are already dreaming of another Boozer-led championship run in Durham.
3. Cayden Boozer
Every Batman needs a Robin. And Cameron Boozer has his brother, Cayden. But Cayden is no sidekick. He is a 6’5” point guard who is ranked No. 17 overall and has been one of the slickest passers in the nation. He led the EYBL with 6.5 assists per game.
Cayden dropped 22 points against both Montverde Academy and Link Academy. He’s got the vision, the poise, and that Duke-ready fire. Together with Cameron, the Boozer brothers could be Duke’s next iconic duo.
4. Nikolas Khamenia
Nikolas Khamenia is a North Hollywood native who chose Duke over heavyweights, including UCLA and Gonzaga. From winning the FIBA U18 AmeriCup to dominating the FIBA 3×3 World Cup, Khamenia’s trophy shelf is already overflowing. On the court, he is a 6’8” forward who averages 14 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists in high school.
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5. Ifeanyi Ufochukwu
The stats from Rice might fool the world, but “Iffy” Ufochukwu is full of promise. The Nigerian big man has only been hooping for three years, but his upside is off the charts. Ufochukwu comes from a soccer background and has really good mobility. The frame’s there, the instincts are there, and once the Duke weight room does its magic, he will become unstoppable.
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