Blue Devils face pivotal offseason decisions as key players eye NBA futures
The Duke basketball roster, once appearing stable after landing Washington State transfer Cedric Coward, has suddenly been cast into uncertainty following the release of the NBA Draft Combine invite list on Friday.
Both Coward and freshman standout Isaiah Evans were named among the invitees to the prestigious event, which takes place next week in Chicago. While neither name came as a surprise given their talent and potential, Evans’ inclusion raises eyebrows — particularly because he had previously announced his intention to return to Duke for his sophomore season.
Evans’ decision to keep his name in the draft, despite that public commitment to return, presents a significant twist. If he and Coward impress during the Combine’s drills and interviews, their draft stocks could soar — potentially into first-round territory — leaving Duke without two players expected to be major contributors in the 2025-26 season.
Coward, who previously stated he was still considering entering the NBA Draft even after committing to Duke, was recently projected as a potential first-round selection by ESPN’s Jonathan Givony.
This development could have major implications for a Blue Devils squad projected to be ranked in the Top 10 nationally heading into next season. In addition to Evans and Coward, several other Duke-affiliated players — Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, Khaman Maluach, Tyrese Proctor, and Sion James — also received Combine invitations.
While Duke boasts another elite recruiting class headlined by top prospect Cameron Boozer, the return of key players was expected to provide the team with needed experience and leadership. At this point, only Caleb Foster, Patrick Ngongba, Maliq Brown, and Darren Harris are confirmed to be back in Durham next season. Coward remains Duke’s lone transfer portal addition to date.
The final roster won’t be set until after the NBA’s early entry withdrawal deadline on May 28, which allows players to maintain NCAA eligibility if they opt to return to school. Both Evans and Coward are expected to participate in individual team workouts leading up to that decision point.
