The 2025-26 Duke basketball starting lineup may see changes, with star Washington State transfer guard Cedric Coward increasingly unlikely to suit up for the Blue Devils next season after recent developments.

As the 2025-26 Duke Blue Devils basketball season looms, the team’s future is starting to take shape. While Coach Jon Scheyer continues to cultivate one of the most talented rosters in the country, the uncertainty surrounding the Washington State transfer guard Cedric Coward has added a new layer of intrigue to Duke’s upcoming season. It seems increasingly unlikely that Coward will suit up for Duke next season, with various developments leading to this outcome. In light of this, fans and analysts alike are beginning to shift their focus toward Duke’s projected starting lineup, considering the impact of Coward’s absence.

Duke’s program has been a recruiting powerhouse under Scheyer, with talented incoming freshmen and transfers filling in key positions. The loss of Coward, though impactful, does not necessarily derail the Blue Devils’ potential for the upcoming season. With a mix of returning players, elite freshmen, and high-profile transfers, the Blue Devils have enough talent to not only remain competitive in the ACC but also make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.

This article will explore the projected 2025-26 starting lineup for the Duke Blue Devils, evaluating the roles of returning players, newcomers, and how the team could adjust without Coward.

The Cedric Coward Situation: What Went Wrong?

Before diving into the projected lineup, it’s important to understand the developments that led to Cedric Coward’s situation becoming a focal point in the upcoming season. Coward, a star guard transfer from Washington State, was initially expected to be a key player for Duke in the 2025-26 season. However, a series of issues—ranging from academic challenges, compliance concerns, and possible internal program issues—have raised doubts about whether he will be able to suit up for the Blue Devils.

Coward’s journey to Duke was highly anticipated. After a standout season at Washington State, where he averaged over 15 points, 5 assists, and 4 rebounds per game, Coward’s skills and versatility seemed to make him a perfect fit for Scheyer’s system. However, as the offseason has progressed, it has become clear that there are complications, and Coward’s status remains up in the air.

Duke’s fanbase has been following the developments closely, and while many had hoped Coward would be a centerpiece of Duke’s backcourt, the situation now seems less certain. Without Coward, Duke will need to rely on other guards and wings to fill the void left by the transfer.

Projected 2025-26 Duke Basketball Starting Lineup Without Cedric Coward

With Coward’s potential absence now looming large, Coach Jon Scheyer has a number of talented players to choose from. The 2025-26 season will see a mixture of returning players, freshmen, and possibly another transfer or two. Here’s a look at the projected starting lineup for the Blue Devils.

Point Guard: Tyrese Proctor

Tyrese Proctor, one of Duke’s standout players from the 2024-25 season, is projected to be the starting point guard for the Blue Devils in 2025-26. Proctor made an immediate impact in his freshman season, showing off his incredible vision, leadership, and playmaking ability. Averaging 11.7 points, 5.4 assists, and 2.3 rebounds per game, Proctor demonstrated the poise and confidence of a veteran despite being a first-year player.

Proctor’s ability to run the offense and make his teammates better will be crucial for Duke’s success next season. While he’s still developing as a scorer, his basketball IQ and leadership qualities make him an ideal choice for the starting point guard position. With the absence of Coward, Proctor will be expected to take on an even larger role in facilitating Duke’s offense, making the most of his teammates’ abilities and setting the tone for the Blue Devils’ attack.

His growing chemistry with the team’s other players—particularly Duke’s elite wings—will be essential for building a cohesive unit capable of competing at the highest level in the ACC and the NCAA Tournament.

Shooting Guard: Jaden Ivey

In a scenario where Duke is without Cedric Coward, a key vacancy emerges at the shooting guard position. Enter Jaden Ivey, who, as a dynamic guard, is expected to step into a starting role. Ivey’s explosiveness, scoring ability, and proficiency on the ball make him a natural fit to lead Duke’s backcourt alongside Tyrese Proctor. Ivey’s scoring potential makes him a versatile offensive weapon, capable of playing both on and off the ball.

Ivey’s journey to Duke was paved with high expectations, and after one season at Purdue, where he averaged over 14 points and 5 assists, Ivey transferred to Duke to play for Coach Scheyer. His scoring ability, particularly from beyond the arc, will make him a significant threat on the floor. His defense, too, is a strength—he has the length and athleticism to guard opposing shooting guards and wings.

The combination of Ivey’s offensive talents and Proctor’s playmaking will create an exciting and potent backcourt duo. Ivey’s presence will also alleviate some of the pressure on Proctor, allowing him to focus more on facilitating the offense while Ivey provides scoring bursts when necessary.

Small Forward: Kyle Filipowski

Kyle Filipowski is one of the most exciting players in the country, and the 2025-26 season will see him as one of the key players in the lineup. Coming off a Freshman All-American season, Filipowski was a versatile forward who could impact the game both offensively and defensively. His ability to stretch the floor, hit threes, and make plays in transition makes him one of Duke’s most valuable players.

Filipowski averaged 15.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.2 assists during his freshman campaign, showcasing his ability to do it all. His size (6-foot-9) allows him to play multiple positions, and his skill set is unmatched at his size. A key player in Duke’s forward rotation, Filipowski will play a significant role in both the starting lineup and in crucial moments during games. As a junior, he will have taken on more leadership responsibility and will likely be one of the primary offensive and defensive focal points for Duke.

His scoring and rebounding will be critical for the team, and his ability to guard multiple positions gives Coach Scheyer a versatile option on defense. Filipowski is also a player capable of taking over games in clutch situations, a trait that Duke will need in big moments.

Power Forward: Mark Mitchell

The power forward position will likely be filled by Mark Mitchell, another one of Duke’s elite returning talents. Mitchell, a standout performer in his sophomore season, has all the tools to be an All-ACC player in 2025-26. His combination of athleticism, scoring ability, and defensive prowess make him a highly sought-after player. Mitchell averaged 12.6 points and 6.4 rebounds during his sophomore season and has steadily improved each year.

Mitchell’s ability to guard multiple positions is especially valuable in Coach Scheyer’s system, and he will be crucial to Duke’s success both offensively and defensively. His improvement as a perimeter shooter will also provide more spacing on offense, giving Proctor and Ivey more room to operate.

As a key player in Duke’s forward rotation, Mitchell’s scoring ability and defensive tenacity will help solidify the team’s frontcourt. Expect him to continue his development as one of the premier forwards in college basketball.

Center: Dereck Lively II

Dereck Lively II, the 7-foot center, will round out the projected starting lineup for the Blue Devils in the 2025-26 season. After an impressive freshman year in which he averaged 9.2 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game, Lively is expected to play a huge role in Duke’s frontcourt.

Lively’s shot-blocking ability and rim protection were pivotal to Duke’s defense last season, and his ability to alter shots around the basket will remain a key strength for the Blue Devils. Offensively, Lively’s presence in the paint will provide spacing and rebounding opportunities, while his ability to finish around the rim gives Duke another strong weapon in the post.

As a sophomore, Lively will have more experience and is expected to take on a larger role for the Blue Devils, both as a scorer and a defender. His leadership and shot-blocking ability make him one of the best centers in the nation and a key piece of Duke’s championship aspirations.

A New Era for Duke Basketball

While the absence of Cedric Coward may alter the trajectory of the 2025-26 Duke basketball season, the Blue Devils are well-equipped to remain a national powerhouse. With a deep roster that includes elite returners like Tyrese Proctor, Kyle Filipowski, Mark Mitchell, and Dereck Lively II, as well as talented newcomers like Jaden Ivey, Duke’s lineup is stacked with talent across all positions.

Coach Jon Scheyer’s ability to adapt and integrate his players into his system will be crucial in making the 2025-26 season a success, even without Coward’s anticipated contributions. As the team builds cohesion, the Blue Devils will once again be in the mix for the ACC title and a Final Four appearance.

The loss of Cedric Coward is certainly a blow, but Duke’s depth, talent, and coaching will allow them to overcome this challenge and remain one of the most formidable teams in college basketball. The 2025-26 season promises to be an exciting and competitive year, with the Blue Devils continuing to build on their legacy of excellence.