Duke Thriving in Offseason While UNC Falling

The Duke Blue Devils’ offseason is nearing its completion in terms of additions and departures, and it could not have been much more of a success.

Head coach Jon Scheyer and his staff employed a different strategy this offseason than the Duke program has routinely followed over the last decade and change, prioritizing continuity and veteran leadership over raw talent. As a result, Scheyer likely has the deepest team he’s had at Duke heading into 2026-27.

Mar 26, 2026; Washington, DC, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer speaks with the media during a press conference ahead 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

However, the same can’t be said about North Carolina. After letting go of head coach Hubert Davis, the Tar Heels brought in former NBA Champion Michael Malone. As most head coach firings do, it resulted in a wave of portal exits.

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UNC has lost eight of its top ten scorers from a season ago, including Henri Veesaar, a player many believed could return to Chapel Hill next season.

Apr 6, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone reacts towards referee Danielle Scott (87) in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

As it currently stands, Duke is having a vastly more successful offseason than its arch rival.

Mar 29, 2026; Washington, DC, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Cayden Boozer (2) dribbles the ball as UConn Huskies guard Braylon Mullins (24) defends in the first half during an Elite Eight game of the East Regional of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images | Amber Searls-Imagn Images

Duke’s Offseason Couldn’t Have Been Much Better

The Blue Devils brought in two high-profile transfer portal additions: former Belmont forward Drew Scharnowski and former Wisconsin star John Blackwell.

As a sophomore…

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Publish date : 2026-04-25 11:00:00

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