The Duke Blue Devils are poised for a transformative 2025–26 season following their Final Four exit and the anticipated departure of standout freshman Cooper Flagg, projected as the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Head coach Jon Scheyer is set to rebuild with a blend of returning talent and a top-ranked recruiting class.
Senior guard Tyrese Proctor is expected to anchor the backcourt, bringing experience and leadership. Joining him are freshmen Cayden Boozer at shooting guard and his twin brother Cameron Boozer at power forward, both sons of Duke alumnus Carlos Boozer. Cameron, ranked No. 3 nationally, and Cayden, ranked No. 24, are anticipated to make immediate impacts.
Freshman Shelton Henderson is projected to start at small forward, while Maliq Brown, returning from injury, is likely to take the center position. Additionally, four-star recruit Nicholas Khamenia is expected to contribute significantly off the bench.
With the transfer portal active until April 22, Scheyer may seek seasoned players to bolster the roster, particularly at the small forward spot. The Blue Devils’ strong recruiting class and strategic additions position them as early contenders for the 2026 NCAA Tournament, despite the loss of key players.
