Duke University's basketball program again finds itself in the spotlight as the college basketball season gears up. The Blue Devils have assembled a roster brimming with elite talent and balanced across all positions. This combination of skill, depth, and versatility positions Duke as a formidable contender for the national championship. Let's delve into the components that make this roster particularly deadly.
The Stars: Top-Tier Talent
Cooper Flagg: the 6-8 Freshman wing, Flagg will be entering college with much hype and fanfare; he brings a rare blend of size, skill, and a defense-first mindset. It will be interesting to see how coach Jon Scheyer uses him. He was tabbed as a stretch 4, coming out of HS, but his ball-handling and offensive versatility coach Scheyer might be forced to use him as a perimeter weapon. His passing and ability to score in space are also noteworthy. His shooting has improved, so expect to see a lot of midranges and 3 -3-point attempts.
6-5 PG Tyrese Proctor: The junior lead guard will be looking to redeem himself after a subpar season, which many thought would be a lottery year for him. He still showed plenty of flashes of brilliance and showed why he was one of the premier playmakers in college basketball last season. Proctor's court vision and ability to score from anywhere provide Duke with a reliable offensive engine. His leadership and experience will be crucial in guiding the team's younger players.
7-2 C Khaman Maluach: One of the top recruits in the 2024 class and one of the best incoming rim protectors in the nation, Maluach brings a tenacious work ethic and a multitude of skills to the table. As a freshman, I imagine that he will be expected to anchor the post defense and to serve as a rim runner and lost post scoring option for Duke. Something to note about Maluach's game is that he has a 3-point range with a feathery touch, and he's quick off his feet, using his superior length and skill to score in bunches. Khaman in the PnR will create a lot of issues when posting defenses.
6-5 CG Caleb Foster: The second-year Guard will see an increased role in the upcoming season. He shared other guard duties with Proctor and Baylor Guard Jeremy Roach, who transferred, leaving a wide-open opportunity for Foster to slide in and take those minutes. Foster will be relied on to score and play for the Blue Devils. He's an elite scorer off the bounce, and in a heavy bescreen offense that Scheyer runs, we can expect some gaudy scoring numbers from Foster.
The Supporting Cast: Depth and Versatility
6-6 SG Darren Harris: an incoming freshman known for his elite jump shot end-winning ways. Harris comes from a winning program in Paul VI and Trim takeover EYBL; he is known as a player with a very high IQ and plays the game the right way. He's a very composed player whose positional size and athletic ability make him a precious piece in the Duke backcourt.
6-11 C Patrick Ngongba: another highly touted freshman big man who excelled at rebounding and used polished footwork to score from the more accessible line. He's coming off a foot injury, which kept him off the court for most of his senior season. He's fully integrated and back in shape, which should bolster Duke's start-studded frontcourt. Ngongba has excellent hands, passes well to the post, and is a terror on the offensive glass. He's not the most fleet of foot, but he knows how to use his body to carve out space and understands the defensive position.
6'6" Forward/Guard Mason Gillis
The grad transfer and former Purdue Boilermaker chose to come to Duke for one reason and one reason only: to compete and win a championship. Gillis knew the Blue Devils would be assembling an elite roster, playing in the national championship last year is something he wants to experience again. His elite shooting and rugged play make him the ultimate connector piece with an abundance of experience for Duke, which they've lacked for several seasons.
6-9 Forward Maliq Brown
The versatile elite defender bolsters the Blue Devils' frontcourt defense. The former Syracuse forward comes to Duke via the transfer portal, bringing all-ACC defensive first-team honors with him. Brown can hold his own on the offensive end, where he averaged ten points per game last season for Syracuse, and he has the defensive IQ that makes him a key player. Brown should do all the dirty work in the post which should free up Maluach to roam a little bit and alter shots around the rim.
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The X-Factors: Experience and weaponry
6-6 Sion James: Sion James, a 6-foot-6 guard from Sugar Hill, Georgia, played for Tulane University before transferring to Duke University for the 2024-25 season. During his four years at Tulane. In the 2022-2023 season, he started all 31 games, achieving career highs with averages of 14 points, 2.7 assists, and 5.4 rebounds per game while shooting a robust 38% from the arc while playing a team-leading 36.9 minutes per game. Known for his defensive prowess, he has the size and strength to guard 1-4 and in a very switchable defensive scheme that Duke runs.
6-5 CG Caleb Foster: Another freshman guard, Foster, brings a dynamic scoring ability and a knack for making big plays. His quickness and agility make him a tough cover for defenders, while his court awareness allows him to create opportunities for his teammates. Foster's ability to play on and off the ball gives Coach Jon Scheyer flexibility in the backcourt.
6-7 SG Kon Knueppel: Hailing from Wisconsin, Kon Knueppel is a freshman guard with the potential to make a significant impact. A playmaker extraordinaire, Kon possesses exceptional tools and fundamental footwork that will keep him on the floor. He's a lethal outside shooter with the passing skills of a point guard, and his strong frame allows him to dominate in the post, exploiting mismatches against smaller defenders.
Wildcard
6'6" SF Isaiah Evans: Isaiah Evans is easily the most explosive scorer on the roster, and he'll undoubtedly make a push for big minutes. He's too talented and skilled not to carve out a role on this squad. Evans is a long-limbed, microwave scorer who can single-handedly keep a team in the game with his elite scoring ability. Along with his scoring, Evans is a legendary trash-talker who knows how to get under the skin of an opponent, which should make him a fan favorite at Cameron Indoor
Coaching and Strategy
Head Coach Jon Scheyer, in his third year at the helm, has shown a remarkable ability to adapt and maximize the talents of his players. With many weapons at his disposal, Scheyer can play any style necessary to come out with a win. Scheyer's strategic insight and understanding of the Duke culture have been instrumental in blending this diverse group of veteran and young players into a cohesive unit. His emphasis on defense, transition play, and balanced scoring ensures that Duke can compete with any team in the nation. Watching the ascension of Jon Scheyer as a Cosch has been a joy; he's just getting better as the years go by, and it has been a pleasure for the Duke faithful. Could we see the return of the full-court man, 2-man Duke product Coach K popularized at Duke along with the floor slap?
Conclusion
Duke University's basketball roster for the upcoming season perfectly blends elite talent, depth, and versatility. With a mix of seasoned veterans and promising first-year students, the Blue Devils are poised to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament. The balance of scoring, defense, and playmaking across all positions makes this Duke team competitive and potentially dominant. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Cameron Indoor Stadium, where this balanced and deadly roster will look to add another chapter to Duke's storied basketball legacy.
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