Duke head coach Jon Scheyer has made a move that’s turning heads — a risky call that could pay off big in the long run.
The Blue Devils have decided to redshirt freshman guard Sebastian Wilkins, preserving his four years of eligibility and giving him time to develop behind the scenes this season.
Wilkins, who reclassified early to join Duke this spring, entered as the No. 35 overall prospect in the Class of 2025 according to 247Sports. Many thought he might carve out a small role in the rotation, but after not appearing in Duke’s first two games, Scheyer made the decision official following the team’s 95–54 rout of Western Carolina.
> “We’ve had some great conversations, and we’re planning on redshirting him,” Scheyer said. “We really believe in his development.”
Wilkins flashed potential early — scoring six points during the Countdown to Craziness scrimmage and five more in Duke’s exhibition win over UCF. But limited minutes against Tennessee in the preseason hinted that the coaching staff had a longer-term plan in mind.
Scheyer says the decision is about setting Wilkins up for success.
> “There’s value in game experience,” he explained, “but saving that eligibility is the right thing for him and for our program. He can focus on his body and his game.”
The move leaves Duke with a nine-player rotation for now, though the Blue Devils could revisit Wilkins’ status later in the year if injuries strike — similar to when Coach K famously pulled Joey Baker’s redshirt during the 2018–19 season.
Next up, No. 5 Duke (2–0) will aim to stay unbeaten Tuesday night in a special Veterans Day road matchup against Army (1–1) — a game honoring Mike Krzyzewski and military members for their service.
