How Duke’s Building Next Season’s Roster in Completely New Way

The Duke basketball program has had an extremely eventful last few days of the NCAA Transfer Portal cycle after a quiet beginning.

Head coach Jon Scheyer and his staff have gotten freshman guard Cayden Boozer, redshirt freshman forward Sebastian Wilkins, junior guard Caleb Foster, and sophomore forward Patrick Ngongba back for another season. The Blue Devils have also inked former Belmont forward Drew Scharnowski and former Wisconsin star guard John Blackwell via the portal.

Mar 19, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard John Blackwell (25) drives against High Point Panthers guard Conrad Martinez (9) during the second half of a first round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images | Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Duke is still waiting on decisions from guys like Dame Sarr, but how the roster currently stands, the Blue Devils are clearly a national title contender on paper heading into the 2026-27 campaign.

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Before this year, Scheyer hadn’t really utilized the portal heavily, as Duke has perennially relied on elite young talent to lead its squads. However, the Duke coaching staff is clearly taking a different approach this offseason.

Mar 27, 2026; Washington, DC, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer reacts in the first half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the East Regional of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images | Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Duke Prioritizing Veterans This Offseason

Since the NIL and transfer portal era has taken over college basketball, it has become increasingly clear that continuity and experience are likely the two most important aspects of roster building. This past season, Michigan became the first all-transfer starting five to win the National Championship.

Scheyer is clearly taking a page out of Dusty May’s book, as the program has prioritized getting its key pieces back from last season, along with landing veterans in the…

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Publish date : 2026-04-23 10:30:00

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