Duke Basketball Roster Construction Could Lead to Uncomfortable Moments This Season
As the 2025-26 college basketball season approaches, Duke finds itself facing a unique challenge: how to build a competitive team without the veteran depth and proven stars that fueled their recent success. After coming off a Final Four appearance last year, led by a generational talent in Cooper Flagg, the Blue Devils are once again entering the season with a very young roster—and a different roster construction philosophy.
Last season, Jon Scheyer’s squad blended young talent with key experienced players. Alongside Flagg’s star power, Duke welcomed an impressive recruiting class featuring Kon Knueppel, Khaman Maluach, and others. More importantly, the Blue Devils benefited from a substantial veteran presence in junior guard Tyrese Proctor, and crucial transfer portal additions like Sion James and Mason Gillis. This mix of youth and experience helped the team operate at an elite level, posting one of the best efficiencies in the KenPom era.
This offseason, however, the approach shifted dramatically. Duke made no significant moves in the transfer portal. Instead, the focus was on retaining players already on the roster. Impressively, Scheyer’s program was one of just a few in the country not to lose a single scholarship player to the transfer portal. While this is a sign of program stability, it also means the Blue Devils will be relying heavily on returning players who had inconsistent minutes and moments last season—and who have yet to prove themselves in critical game situations.
Caleb Foster emerges as the most experienced player Duke can count on this year. Foster’s journey at Duke has been anything but smooth. After an impressive freshman season, his progress was derailed by injury late in the year, which sidelined him for the ACC and NCAA tournaments. Expectations were high heading into his sophomore campaign, but after starting as a key player, Foster found himself on the bench for much of the season—only to shine during the postseason. This year, much of Duke’s success may hinge on Foster staying healthy and maintaining consistent performance.
Sophomores Isaiah Evans and Patrick Ngongba also fall into the category of players who flashed potential but did not secure significant roles in last year’s high-stakes moments. Both will be looked upon to elevate their games and step into more prominent roles.
Of course, a large share of the burden will fall on Duke’s talented freshman class. Cameron Boozer, in particular, faces the daunting task of filling the void left by Cooper Flagg, who is widely projected as a top pick in the NBA draft. Boozer’s development will be critical if Duke hopes to maintain its status as an elite team.
It’s unlikely the Blue Devils will match last season’s high level of efficiency right out of the gate. The chemistry of this young group remains unproven, and the lack of veteran leadership could lead to uncomfortable growing pains. However, Duke’s storied program and Scheyer’s coaching pedigree provide a foundation for optimism.
In basketball, as in any team sport, talent alone does not guarantee instant success. It takes time for young players to gel, learn the system, and develop the confidence needed to perform under pressure. This season, fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see if Duke’s youthful roster can quickly find its rhythm—or if those early uncomfortable moments might test the team’s resolve.
What remains clear is that Duke’s commitment to retaining its roster and developing homegrown talent reflects a belief in the process. The Blue Devils might not soar immediately, but they are laying groundwork for sustained success that could pay dividends in the seasons to come.
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