Why Duke’s Scheyer Could Be Under Most Pressure Next Season

The Duke basketball program has its 2026-27 rotation almost entirely set, barring any unforeseen changes. And simply put, it could not have been much more successful.

Also read: Grading Duke’s Full Offseason So Far

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

Head coach Jon Scheyer and his staff attacked this offseason with a bit of a different game plan than the Duke program has utilized over the last decade or so. Typically, the Blue Devils revolve their clubs around elite freshman talent, lose most of it after one season, then replenish the rotation with the next elite freshman talent.

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However, in this new era of college basketball dominated by NIL and the transfer portal, Scheyer and Co. are adapting. Duke dove head-first into the portal, swiping experienced transfers while also attempting to retain key pieces of its rotation from last season.

Belmont forward Drew Scharnowski (11) drives past MTSU forward Chris Loofe (13) during an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. | Mark Zaleski / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Breaking Down Duke’s Offseason

The Blue Devils brought in former Belmont forward Drew Scharnowski and former star Wisconsin guard John Blackwell via the portal, two upperclassmen who will contribute to the rotation next season.

Scharnowski averaged over 10 points and six rebounds, along with 1.3 blocks, last season en route to earning First Team All-Missouri Valley Conference and All-MVC Defensive Team honors. Blackwell established himself as one of the top scorers in college basketball last season and will likely be the Blue Devils’ go-to guy offensively.

Mar 19, 2026; Portland, OR, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard John Blackwell (25) passes against the High Point Panthers during the…

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Publish date : 2026-04-25 14:49:00

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