How Many More Players Does Duke’s Jon Scheyer Need to Add for the 2025–26 Season?

As the 2025–26 college basketball season draws nearer, Duke head coach Jon Scheyer is busy putting the final touches on his roster for another championship run. After a productive offseason, which saw several key players enter the transfer portal or declare for the NBA Draft, there’s still some work left to do. Scheyer has already secured an impressive group of returning players and incoming freshmen, but the question remains: how many more players does Duke need to complete their roster?

This article will explore the current state of the Duke basketball team, analyze the areas where the Blue Devils might still need to make additions, and consider the potential moves Scheyer could make to ensure his squad is prepared for another strong season.

Duke’s Current Roster Composition

Duke’s roster for the 2025–26 season is already taking shape. The team boasts a mixture of experienced returners and highly anticipated incoming freshmen. As of now, the Blue Devils have the following players confirmed for the upcoming season:

Returning Players:

• Caleb Foster (Guard): A key returning guard who played a major role in the backcourt last season. Foster will be a key contributor and is expected to step into a more prominent leadership role this year.
• Isaiah Evans (Wing): A versatile player who can fill multiple roles for Duke, Evans’ development will be critical to the team’s success.
• Maliq Brown (Forward): An experienced transfer from Virginia Tech who provides toughness and versatility in the frontcourt.
• Patrick Ngongba II (Center): A promising young big man, Ngongba brings a physical presence inside and will likely see an expanded role this season.
• Darren Harris (Guard): A reliable shooting option with the potential to make an impact on both ends of the floor.
• Cameron Sheffield (Forward): A steady and athletic forward who will bring depth to the frontcourt.

Incoming Freshmen:

• Cameron Boozer (Forward): One of the top recruits in the nation, Boozer is expected to be an immediate contributor in the frontcourt.
• Cayden Boozer (Guard): A dynamic backcourt player with elite basketball IQ and skills, Cayden Boozer is expected to play a major role in Duke’s offense.
• Nikolas Khamenia (Forward): A tough, physical forward who will bring energy and rebounding to the team.
• Shelton Henderson (Guard): A talented guard who can contribute offensively and defensively, Henderson adds depth to the backcourt.

This gives Duke a total of 10 scholarship players, with the possibility of adding more before the season begins.

The Departures

To get a clearer picture of where Duke may still need to make additions, it’s important to take stock of the players who are no longer with the team. The following departures have left gaps in the roster:

• Jeremy Roach (Guard): Roach was a veteran presence in the backcourt and a key leader for Duke. His departure leaves a hole in the point guard position.
• Mark Mitchell (Forward): Mitchell transferred to Missouri, further depleting Duke’s depth in the frontcourt.
• Tyrese Proctor (Guard): Proctor declared for the NBA Draft and is expected to be a first-round pick, meaning Duke loses another key contributor in the backcourt.
• Kyle Filipowski (Forward): Filipowski’s decision to enter the NBA Draft was expected and leaves Duke without a dynamic scorer in the frontcourt.
• Jared McCain (Guard): McCain, another player who entered the NBA Draft, was one of the top guards for Duke last season and will be missed.
• Sean Stewart (Forward): Stewart entered the transfer portal and is expected to transfer to Ohio State, leaving Duke with one fewer option in the frontcourt.

With these departures, Duke loses critical experience and depth, particularly in the backcourt and the frontcourt. Scheyer will need to fill these voids to ensure his team remains competitive in a stacked ACC and on the national stage.

Scheyer’s Roster Building Strategy

Jon Scheyer has consistently emphasized a balanced roster approach, where he aims to blend veteran experience with youthful energy. In the past, he has expressed the importance of having a mix of returning players, incoming freshmen, and experienced transfers. His ideal team structure is as follows:

• 3 to 5 Returning Players: These players are expected to provide leadership and continuity.
• 3 to 5 Freshmen: Fresh talent who will bring excitement and potential to the program.
• 1 to 2 Transfers: Players who can make an immediate impact and fill specific roster needs.

Looking at the current roster, Duke already has 6 returners and 4 freshmen, which aligns well with Scheyer’s philosophy. This leaves room for the addition of 1 to 2 more players, likely in the form of experienced transfers who can contribute right away.

Areas Where Duke Needs to Add Players

Given the current roster, there are a few areas where Duke might need to make additions:

1. Point Guard Depth

With the departures of Roach and Proctor, Duke is left with some uncertainty at the point guard position. While Cayden Boozer can take on some of the ball-handling duties, a proven point guard with experience would provide insurance and offer Scheyer a reliable floor general. If Scheyer is unable to land a point guard in the transfer portal, Caleb Foster could step into that role, but having a backup would be ideal.

2. Frontcourt Reinforcements

Filipowski’s departure leaves a hole in Duke’s frontcourt. While Ngongba and Brown will play significant roles, Scheyer might want to add another big man who can provide rim protection and scoring. A transfer with size and physicality could balance the frontcourt and provide depth as the Blue Devils navigate a grueling season.

3. Wing Depth

Though Duke has solid options on the wing with Evans and Henderson, adding another versatile wing player could give Scheyer additional flexibility. A player who can shoot from the perimeter and defend multiple positions would be a valuable addition. This could be a transfer who excels at the 3-and-D role.

Who Are the Potential Transfer Targets?

As of now, there are several players in the transfer portal who could help meet Duke’s roster needs. Scheyer could target a veteran point guard to stabilize the backcourt or a skilled forward to bolster the frontcourt. There are also potential late entries into the portal who could provide immediate contributions.

Given Duke’s reputation, they will likely be able to attract players with high potential who are looking to play on a national stage. The addition of an experienced transfer would not only help with depth but could also provide leadership and maturity in crucial moments.

How Many More Players Does Duke Need?

As it stands, Duke has 10 scholarship players committed for the 2025–26 season. Given Scheyer’s preferred roster construction, the Blue Devils are still in need of 1 to 2 more players, particularly in the areas of point guard depth, frontcourt size, and wing versatility. Scheyer has already done a fantastic job assembling a strong squad, but with a couple of strategic additions, Duke will be poised to challenge for a national championship.

In the coming months, all eyes will be on Scheyer as he works to finalize the roster. If he can land a couple of transfers who fill the team’s needs, Duke will be ready to contend once again for ACC titles and beyond.