One Duke Basketball Rookie Potentially Making Push for Early Minutes

The Duke Blue Devils are probably the deepest team in the country heading into the 2026-27 college basketball season.

Head coach Jon Scheyer returned four of his top six scorers from last year’s team that earned the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament and invested in two highly talented portal players, John Blackwell (Wisconsin) and Drew Scharnowski (Belmont).

Mar 29, 2026; Washington, DC, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer looks on against the UConn Huskies 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: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

However, what seems to be forgotten is that Duke is also bringing in one of the nation’s top high school classes, headlined by international prospect Joaquim Boumtje Boumtje and 5-stars Cameron Williams, Bryson Howard, and Deron Rippey Jr.

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With so much experience and continuity on the roster, it’s tough to see a consistent path to minutes for several Duke rookies. However, this freshman might be making a push.

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 | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Duke Freshman Bryson Howard Could Be Pushing for Early Minutes

Howard is in an interesting spot. With such a crowded backcourt, it’s hard to imagine he sees a ton of minutes at guard early on. I have said throughout the offseason that if he can consistently make outside shots, he has the frame and defensive capabilities to be a 3-and-D wing contributor off the bench.

However, much of that could come down to Howard hitting outside shots. At 6’4″, Duke would be losing positional length by swapping him in at the three for a 6’8″ Dame Sarr or a 6’8″ Sebastian Wilkins.

West forward Cameron Williams (1) breaks down court during the…

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Publish date : 2026-08-25 23:36:00

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