The wait is finally over, Duke fans. The Blue Devils have officially set their roster for the 2025-26 season, and while everyone expected elite talent and star power, nobody saw this twist coming. Not only is the roster loaded with five-star freshmen and proven returnees, but the biggest shocker is the return of a veteran who many thought had played his last game in Cameron Indoor Stadium.
The Stunning Comeback That Changes Everything
When the offseason began, all signs pointed to certain players leaving for the NBA or hitting the transfer portal. Instead, in an era of constant roster turnover, Duke will welcome back Caleb Foster—the experienced senior guard who was expected to pursue a professional career. His decision to return instantly transforms this roster from great to elite.
Foster brings leadership, scoring ability, and poise in crunch time—qualities Duke desperately needs to balance its influx of young talent. Combine that with the development of other returning players, and Jon Scheyer suddenly has one of the most dangerous rotations in the country.
Meet Duke’s Core Returnees
Duke didn’t just keep a veteran—they kept a foundation. Here are the names that will make Blue Devil fans smile:
Caleb Foster (Sr.) – A steady, experienced guard with a proven ability to run the offense and hit big shots.
Isaiah Evans (So.) – A versatile scorer who showed flashes of brilliance as a freshman and is ready for a breakout year.
Maliq Brown (So.) – A 6’9″ forward known for his energy, rebounding, and inside presence.
Patrick Ngongba II (So.) – At 6’11”, he anchors the paint and provides size and rim protection.
Darren Harris (Jr.) – A reliable perimeter threat who can stretch defenses and add scoring depth.
Cam Sheffield – Another versatile wing who brings length and defensive toughness.
Cedric Coward (Gr.) – A graduate transfer with experience, physicality, and leadership.
With this mix of veterans and emerging sophomores, Duke enters the season with chemistry that most elite programs dream of.
The New Wave: Duke’s Incoming Freshmen
As if the returning core wasn’t enough, Duke welcomes one of the most talented recruiting classes in the nation:
Cameron Boozer – The headliner. A 6’9″, 235-pound forward and potential future No. 1 NBA Draft pick. Boozer is a game-changer on both ends of the floor.
Cayden Boozer – His twin brother, a 6’4″ guard who brings elite playmaking and court vision.
Nikolas Khamenia – A 6’8″ forward from California with a high basketball IQ and positional versatility.
Dame Sarr – The Italian guard who stands 6’7″ and offers length, shooting, and creativity in the backcourt.
Sebastian Wilkins – A physical 6’8″ forward who thrives in transition and brings toughness inside.
This group blends perfectly with Duke’s returning talent, creating a roster that’s both experienced and loaded with NBA-level potential.
What This Means for Duke’s Title Hopes
Before today’s announcement, Duke was already considered a national championship contender. Now? They might be the favorites. The return of Foster adds a critical layer of experience, while the Boozer twins headline a freshman class that could dominate college basketball.
Scheyer now has everything a coach could want: veteran leadership, size, depth, and elite talent at every position. This is the formula for a Final Four run—and maybe another banner in Cameron Indoor.
