The Blue Devils are building a basketball powerhouse once again—and the 2025-26 season might be their most exciting yet under Jon Scheyer.
Following Cooper Flagg’s departure to the NBA, many wondered how Duke would fill such massive shoes. The answer? A monster recruiting class headlined by five-star phenoms and potential transfer gems. Duke is not just reloading—they’re reshaping the ACC battlefield.
Headline Signings:
Cameron Boozer & Cayden Boozer: The twin brothers have committed to Duke, giving the Blue Devils a dynamic duo with elite pedigree. Cameron, a dominant power forward, is widely seen as a top-three prospect, while Cayden brings high-level playmaking at the guard spot.
Nikolas Khamenia: Another five-star addition, Khamenia adds toughness and versatility in the frontcourt, complementing Boozer’s game perfectly.
Shelton Henderson: Ranked in the top 15 nationally, Henderson is a skilled wing who brings scoring and defensive grit.
In the Mix:
Braydon Hawthorne: The 6’8” forward decommitted from West Virginia and is now heavily linked to Duke. Per Sports Illustrated, the staff is very interested, and a commitment could add even more depth up front.
Nate Ament: With elite length and upside, the No. 4 overall recruit is still uncommitted, but Duke is considered a frontrunner.
Transfer Portal Moves:
Scheyer and his staff are active in the portal, aiming to plug any roster holes with experienced talent. Though specific names are still fluid, insiders expect at least one major addition—possibly a veteran guard to balance the young core.
Who’s Coming Back:
Key returners provide crucial continuity:
Caleb Foster: The poised guard returns for his junior year after a solid sophomore campaign.
Isaiah Evans: After testing waters, Evans brings back his scoring prowess and wing defense.
Maliq Brown, Patrick Ngongba II, and Darren Harris also return, adding muscle, energy, and shooting.
What This Means for Duke:
With a blend of top-tier freshmen and experienced returners, this Blue Devils squad could rival any of the Scheyer-era teams so far. Cameron Boozer may be the new face of the program, but it’s the overall balance and depth that makes Duke downright scary.
The ACC has been warned.
