Duke Emerging As Favorite for Star Transfer Target

Duke has already had a productive transfer portal cycle. Shooting guard John Blackwell from Wisconsin came in as the second-ranked player in the portal according to Rivals, and power forward Drew Scharnowski from Belmont checked in at 44th. Combined with the returns of Patrick Ngongba and Caleb Foster, Jon Scheyer has constructed one of the strongest rosters in the country.

But the offseason may not be finished yet.

Mar 19, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer reacts in the first half during a first round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

One of the more intriguing names still available in the portal is Santa Clara redshirt freshman Allen Graves, a prospect Duke has been linked to. Graves entered both the NBA Draft and the transfer portal simultaneously, keeping his college options open while evaluating whether he is a guaranteed first-round selection.

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CBS Sports analysts Adam Finkelstein, Isaac Trotter, and Travis Branham recently discussed the remaining top portal targets, with Trotter weighing in specifically on why Duke stands out as a strong fit for Graves if he decides to return to college. If the draft feedback does not solidify his stock, Duke appears well-positioned to land him.

What Graves Would Bring to Duke

Graves is the kind of prospect that is genuinely difficult to find at the college level because his skill set does not fit a neat category.

Mar 20, 2026; St. Louis, MO, USA; Santa Clara Broncos forward Allen Graves (22) reacts after making a basket against the Kentucky Wildcats during the second half of a first round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images | Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

At 6-foot-9 and 225 pounds with a reported 7-foot wingspan, he has the physical profile that typically produces either a physical bruiser or a skilled processor. Graves is both. He is an…

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Publish date : 2026-04-24 17:27:00

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