Fourth-year Duke basketball head coach Jon Scheyer and his staff haven’t yet completed their roster construction for next season

As the 2025 college basketball season approaches, the Duke Blue Devils, one of the most storied programs in NCAA history, remain in the midst of constructing a roster capable of contending for another national title. Under the direction of fourth-year head coach Jon Scheyer, Duke’s basketball program has been a beacon of talent development and success, but there are still several important pieces left to place in the puzzle before the season officially tips off.

While the program has continued to recruit top-tier talent year after year, the process of assembling a championship-worthy roster is far from complete. Roster construction in college basketball can be a fluid and sometimes unpredictable process, especially in today’s climate, where transfer portal activity and player development play such significant roles. Coach Scheyer, who took over the Duke program after the legendary Mike Krzyzewski retired, is tasked with navigating these changes while maintaining the high expectations that come with the Duke basketball brand.

This article will delve into why Duke’s roster construction for the upcoming season is still incomplete, examining the challenges and strategies involved, the program’s recent recruiting efforts, and what fans and analysts can expect moving forward. We will also explore how Jon Scheyer’s vision for Duke basketball is shaping the program’s identity, what still needs to be addressed in the roster, and how the team could look as they prepare for the 2025 season.

Jon Scheyer’s Vision and Leadership at Duke

When Jon Scheyer was promoted to head coach in 2022 after the retirement of Mike Krzyzewski, the transition was one of the most highly anticipated in college basketball history. Scheyer, a former Duke player under Coach K and a key member of the 2010 national championship team, had long been seen as the heir apparent to the throne. His basketball acumen, deep understanding of the program’s culture, and ability to connect with players were all factors that led to his eventual hiring.

Under Scheyer’s leadership, Duke has maintained its reputation as a recruiting powerhouse. While it was natural for some to wonder if the program would experience a drop-off following Coach K’s departure, Scheyer quickly proved that he was more than capable of keeping the Blue Devils at the top of the college basketball landscape. His recruiting classes have been impressive, featuring top-tier talent both in high school and through the transfer portal. However, building a roster that is capable of challenging for a national title is an ongoing process, and as of now, Scheyer and his staff are still working to fill out the roster for the upcoming season.

The Importance of Roster Construction in College Basketball

Roster construction in college basketball has become more complex in recent years due to several key factors. Perhaps the most significant development has been the emergence of the transfer portal, which allows players to transfer between schools more easily than ever before. This has led to an increased reliance on the portal for team-building, as coaches now have the opportunity to address immediate needs by adding experienced players who are looking for a fresh start.

Additionally, the rise of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals has added a new dynamic to recruiting, with programs now competing not only on the court but also in offering financial opportunities for student-athletes. These factors, coupled with the traditional recruitment of high school talent, have made the process of building a team more fluid and unpredictable.

For Jon Scheyer and Duke, the 2025 offseason is no exception. While Duke has always been a destination for top recruits, the changing landscape of college basketball means that roster construction has become a more nuanced endeavor. Scheyer and his staff must balance developing young talent with adding experienced players from the transfer portal, all while managing the expectations of both the fanbase and the university.

Challenges Faced by Duke in Roster Construction

While Duke’s recruiting efforts have remained strong under Scheyer, there are a few challenges that have impacted the team’s roster construction for next season. These challenges are not unique to Duke but are part of a broader trend in college basketball, particularly at the highest levels.

1. Transfer Portal Activity: The transfer portal has reshaped the landscape of college basketball, and Duke is no exception. While the Blue Devils have had some success in attracting transfer players, they have also lost some key contributors in recent years. With so many players entering the portal each offseason, it’s difficult to predict which players will stay and which ones will leave. The volatility of the portal can make it challenging for coaches to finalize their rosters early in the offseason, especially for a program like Duke, where many players are highly coveted and constantly under recruitment from other programs.
2. Roster Turnover: Duke’s roster turnover has been a defining feature of Scheyer’s first few years as head coach. As with many top-tier programs, Duke tends to have a large number of one-and-done players, where star freshmen leave for the NBA after a single season. While this model has been highly successful in terms of player development and building future NBA talent, it also means that Duke frequently has to reload rather than rebuild. With key players leaving for the pros, the team’s roster needs constant adjustment, and Scheyer must consistently bring in new talent to fill the gaps.
3. Balancing Freshmen and Veterans: One of the key aspects of Duke’s recruiting strategy under Coach Scheyer has been bringing in high-profile freshman talent. However, this influx of young players also creates a unique challenge in terms of roster construction. While these players may be incredibly talented, they often require time to develop into fully realized contributors at the college level. The question for Scheyer is how to balance the needs of his freshmen with the need for experienced players who can help lead the team in the immediate future. This is where the transfer portal can come into play, as veteran players who can step in and make an impact right away can complement the young talent coming in.
4. NIL Competition: The rise of NIL deals has created a new level of competition among college programs. With top-tier players now able to profit off their name, image, and likeness, there is a greater financial incentive for recruits to choose one program over another. While Duke has the resources to offer competitive NIL packages, the Blue Devils must still compete with other elite programs that are also willing to make significant financial offers. This new layer of recruiting dynamics adds another complexity to roster construction.
5. Team Chemistry and Fit: Another challenge facing Scheyer and his staff is ensuring that the new players coming into the program fit well with the existing roster. The Blue Devils have long been known for their tight-knit team culture, and maintaining that chemistry is essential for success. Integrating new players, whether through the transfer portal or freshmen recruits, requires careful consideration of how they will mesh with the returning players. Team dynamics play a crucial role in building a successful program, and Scheyer must be mindful of the need for balance on and off the court.

Recent Recruiting Efforts

Despite the challenges, Jon Scheyer and his staff have continued to recruit at a high level. The 2025 class, while still in development, promises to bring in several top-tier players who will be expected to contribute immediately. Duke has also been active in the transfer portal, seeking players who can complement their freshman class and provide immediate impact.

Some of the key recruits for the upcoming season include highly ranked high school players who have already committed to the Blue Devils. These players are expected to bring in much-needed depth and talent, particularly in areas where the team has had some turnover. Additionally, Duke’s staff has been diligent in evaluating players in the transfer portal, targeting those who can fit into the program’s system and contribute right away.

Given the high expectations that come with being the head coach of Duke, Scheyer and his staff are under constant pressure to deliver on the recruiting trail. However, with the program’s prestige, Duke remains a highly attractive destination for top recruits and transfers alike. The key for Scheyer will be continuing to build on the momentum from past seasons while filling the remaining gaps in the roster.

What’s Still to be Addressed

As Duke continues to finalize its roster for next season, there are several key areas that will need to be addressed in order for the Blue Devils to compete for a national title.

1. Frontcourt Depth: One of the areas where Duke may need to focus its remaining efforts is in the frontcourt. While the Blue Devils have some promising young big men, depth in this area will be crucial to ensure that they can compete against the best teams in the country. Adding experienced players who can provide physicality and rim protection would go a long way in solidifying the team’s defense and rebounding.
2. Point Guard Play: Another area that may need attention is the point guard position. While Duke has had strong guard play in recent years, finding a steady floor general who can control the tempo and distribute the ball effectively will be key to their success. This may come from one of the incoming freshmen or could be addressed through the transfer portal, where experienced point guards are always in demand.
3. Leadership and Experience: With several players leaving for the NBA, the team will need to develop leaders who can step into prominent roles. Veteran players who understand the demands of high-level college basketball and can guide the younger players will be essential to Duke’s success. Scheyer will need to rely on a combination of returning players and newcomers to build this leadership structure.

As Jon Scheyer enters his fourth season as head coach of Duke, his task of constructing a roster for the 2025 college basketball season is far from complete. The challenges of roster turnover, the increasing role of the transfer portal, and the need to balance fresh talent with experienced players all play a part in the process. However, with his recruiting prowess, leadership abilities, and the continued allure of the Duke basketball program, Scheyer remains well-positioned to finalize a roster capable of competing for a national championship.

As the season approaches, fans and analysts alike will be keeping a close eye on Duke’s final roster moves, and it’s clear that the Blue Devils will once again be a force to be reckoned with in the world of college basketball. Whether through fresh recruits or key transfers, Jon Scheyer and his staff are determined to build a team that can uphold the legacy of Duke basketball while forging a new path toward future success.