The NCAA transfer portal is officially closed, and while chaos hit many programs, Duke basketball came out unscathed—not a single player entered the portal. Still, with the entire 2024-25 starting lineup headed to the NBA or beyond, Jon Scheyer’s Blue Devils are gearing up for a massive lineup overhaul in 2025-26.
So who’s stepping up in Durham? Here’s a breakdown of Duke’s projected starting five, and it’s packed with both redemption stories and elite-level freshman talent.
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PG – Caleb Foster (Junior)
Once viewed as a breakout star, Foster’s sophomore year didn’t quite go to plan. He started the season with promise, but eventually lost his starting role and struggled to stay in the rotation. That said, he bounced back in March and looked solid in the NCAA Tournament. Now, with a clean slate and a full offseason ahead, Foster has a golden opportunity to rewrite his story.
2024-25 Stats: 4.9 PPG, 1.4 APG
SG – Isaiah Evans (Sophomore)
Evans staying at Duke might be the biggest win of the offseason. He considered the NBA and would’ve had no shortage of portal interest, but ultimately chose to return. A true sniper from deep—81% of his shots came from beyond the arc—Evans is primed for a major leap with more minutes and more responsibility.
2024-25 Stats: 6.8 PPG, 41.6% from three in just 13.7 MPG
SF – Nikolas Khamenia (Freshman)
Duke’s wing depth took a hit when Shelton Henderson decommitted, but enter Khamenia. The 6’8″ five-star is an elite passer and versatile scorer who starred in both the McDonald’s All-American Game and the Nike Hoop Summit. He’s the likely answer at small forward and could be a matchup nightmare right away.
High School Stats: 18 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 7.6 APG
PF – Cameron Boozer (Freshman)
The name Boozer is back in Durham! Cameron, son of Duke legend Carlos Boozer, is the highest-rated player in the 2025 class. A dominant presence at both ends, he led Columbus High to a national title and had the only double-double at the McDonald’s All-American Game.
High School Stats: 22.1 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 3.2 APG, 1.9 SPG, 1.5 BPG
C – Patrick Ngongba II (Sophomore)
Injuries slowed his freshman year, but Ngongba ended strong and is Duke’s only true center heading into next season. At 6’11″ with mobility and rim protection, he’s got serious breakout potential if he stays healthy.
Tournament Stats: 6.5 PPG, 1.2 BPG in just 12.3 MPG
Bench & Key Rotational Players:
Maliq Brown (Senior): Veteran versatility, could fill in at the 3 or 5.
Cayden Boozer (Freshman): Cameron’s twin, a savvy four-star point guard.
Darren Harris (Sophomore): Knockdown shooter off the bench.
Cameron Sheffield (Senior): Experienced depth and defensive presence.
Duke may be losing its stars to the NBA, but don’t sleep on this group. With returning experience and elite freshmen, the 2025-26 Blue Devils are set to be one of the most exciting—and unpredictable—teams in college hoops.
Think this lineup has Final Four potential? Let the debate begin.
