Duke Faces Major Roster Overhaul After Stellar Season
Jon Scheyer’s Duke Blue Devils were one of the top four teams in the country during the 2024–25 college basketball season. But after such a successful campaign, the team is undergoing significant roster changes as several key players declare for the 2025 NBA Draft.
Duke was loaded with NBA-caliber talent last season, which helped fuel their success but also led to a wave of departures. Headlining that group is Cooper Flagg, who is projected to be the No. 1 overall pick. Flagg was the face of the program and a major reason for Duke’s dominance. Joining him in the draft is Kon Knueppel, another cornerstone of the Blue Devils’ strong season.
The exodus doesn’t end there. Khaman Maluach, Tyrese Proctor, and Sion James are also expected to be selected in the draft.
Adding to the list of departures, Cedric Coward who was seen as a key transfer portal addition has also decided to forgo his college eligibility and stay in the draft. Initially expected to help fill the void left by Flagg and Knueppel, Coward ultimately chose to pursue his NBA dream now.
“This is the best opportunity for me to chase my dream of playing in the NBA,” Coward said. “Everything is trending in the right direction.”
Coward expressed confidence in his draft potential, saying: “I see myself as a draft pick. I’ve had great feedback, even though teams are being a bit reserved. Whether I go first or 59th, it’s all a blessing. I just want a team to give me a chance to prove what I can do.”
Though Coward’s decision is a blow to Duke’s plans for next season, it’s another testament to the program’s ability to develop NBA-level talent. With multiple key players heading to the pros, Scheyer will now face the challenge of rebuilding a new core for the upcoming season.
Leave a Reply