The 2025 NBA Draft declarations are in, the transfer portal deadline has passed, and college basketball’s offseason chaos is finally settling. For the Duke Blue Devils, the dust brings clarity—and a roster that, while retooled, still demands national attention.
After a Final Four run and a series of high-profile departures, Duke enters Year 4 under Jon Scheyer with one of the most compelling combinations of returning depth and elite incoming talent in the country. While Duke will look different next season—losing Cooper Flagg, Tyrese Proctor, and Kon Knueppel among others—the pieces still in place, plus a No. 1-ranked recruiting class, suggest the Blue Devils won’t just remain contenders. They might be even more dangerous.
Key Departures, But Not a Rebuild
The biggest headlines of Duke’s offseason so far center around the draft declarations. Cooper Flagg, the projected No. 1 pick, is off to the NBA after a spectacular one-and-done campaign (19.2 PPG, 7.5 RPG). Fellow freshmen standout Kon Knueppel (14.4 PPG) and veteran guard Tyrese Proctor also declared, and key rotation players like Sion James and Mason Gillis have exhausted eligibility.
These losses are significant—but far from crippling. That’s because the Blue Devils still retain a promising core.
Returning Blue Devils: Youth with Upside
Caleb Foster, now entering his junior season, is back after a sophomore campaign that saw him move in and out of the rotation. With Proctor and James gone, Foster has an open runway to reclaim a starting role.
Isaiah Evans, a former five-star prospect compared to Brandon Ingram, also returns. Despite modest freshman numbers (6.8 PPG in 13.7 minutes), his upside is undeniable. His return is arguably the most underrated development of the offseason.
Maliq Brown, Patrick Ngongba II, and Darren Harris round out a returning group that, while not yet star-studded, brings valuable continuity and defensive toughness—especially in the frontcourt.
The wild card? Khaman Maluach. The towering freshman center (8.6 PPG, 6.6 RPG) has yet to announce his plans. If he returns, Duke gains a dominant interior presence. If he departs, expect a scramble for additional size in the portal.
A Recruiting Class to Reload, Not Rebuild
Fortunately, Duke doesn’t need to panic. Why? Their 2025 recruiting class.
The Boozer brothers headline what 247Sports ranks as the No. 1 class in the country. Cameron Boozer, a projected top-3 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, brings immediate scoring and rebounding prowess. His brother, Cayden Boozer, adds depth and poise at the guard spot.
They’re joined by five-star forward Nikolas Khamenia, a McDonald’s All-American known for his versatility and high motor. Together, this trio gives Scheyer a new foundation—one that’s young but loaded with potential.
A Shift in Strategy, Not Identity
What’s becoming clear under Scheyer is a shift from one-year superteams to sustainable team-building. Duke has become more selective in the portal, more focused on player retention, and more confident in development than in headline-grabbing splashes.
This offseason might not be flashy—but it’s deliberate. Scheyer isn’t just chasing talent; he’s crafting a team with cohesion and defined roles.
The ACC—and the Country—Should Pay Attention
North Carolina, Miami, and others made moves this offseason, but Duke’s mix of returning talent, elite recruits, and established culture keeps them at the top of the ACC conversation. While some teams are still filling out rosters, Duke knows what it has—and that head start could be the difference in March.
So, yes—Cooper Flagg is gone. So is Knueppel. So are others. But this is Duke. The machine is far from slowing down. In fact, it may be getting sharper, smarter, and scarier.
The rest of college basketball should be paying attention.
