As it stands, Duke basketball appears well-positioned with a top-10 roster heading into the 2025-26 season. Key returners include Caleb Foster, Isaiah Evans, Patrick Ngongba II, Darren Harris, and Maliq Brown. The Blue Devils have also secured a commitment from standout transfer Cedric Coward and remain in the hunt for highly sought-after portal target Desmond Claude.
However, Duke is also saying goodbye to all five starters from last season. Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, Tyrese Proctor, and Khaman Maluach have all entered the 2025 NBA Draft. Meanwhile, Sion James has exhausted his collegiate eligibility and is expected to be a late-round draft selection.
There’s growing concern in Durham over a potential worst-case scenario—losing both Evans and Coward to the NBA. Both players are attending the NBA Draft Combine, and while Coward is more likely to remain in the draft, Evans declaring would deliver a significant blow.
If both players leave, Duke’s projected starting five could shift to Foster, Cayden Boozer, Nik Khamenia, Cameron Boozer, and Ngongba. That lineup, while filled with top-tier recruits, lacks proven collegiate experience. Bench depth would be minimal, relying on Harris, Brown, and possibly Cam Sheffield.
While the Boozer twins and Khamenia are elite high school prospects, relying heavily on freshmen and under-experienced returners brings risk. Foster showed flashes of potential last season but underwhelmed overall. Harris saw limited minutes, Ngongba battled injuries, and Brown—though defensively elite—is not known for offensive contributions.
Unless Duke can land Desmond Claude or another impact transfer, the loss of Evans and Coward could leave the Blue Devils unranked heading into the 2025-26 season.
