Breaking down the 2025-26 Duke basketball roster ahead of summer

As Duke basketball gears up for the 2025-26 season, anticipation is high. Under head coach Jon Scheyer, the Blue Devils are looking to continue their legacy as a perennial college basketball powerhouse. With a roster blending top-tier freshmen, impactful transfers, and returning veterans, the 2025-26 Duke squad promises excitement, depth, and championship aspirations.

This article offers a detailed breakdown of Duke’s roster going into the summer, highlighting key players, team composition, positional battles, and how the pieces fit together strategically.

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## Overview: The Duke Basketball Program in Transition

Jon Scheyer, entering his third full season as Duke’s head coach, has done an impressive job maintaining the program’s elite recruiting and competitive culture. Duke remains a magnet for top talent and experienced transfers, both vital to building a roster capable of contending in the loaded ACC and nationally.

The 2025-26 roster features:

* Highly touted freshmen from the 2025 recruiting class
* Graduate transfers with NCAA tournament experience
* Returning players providing leadership and continuity

This blend positions Duke well for a deep NCAA Tournament run and possible championship contention.

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## Key Returning Players

### 1. **Sion James — Guard**

Sion James transferred to Duke prior to the 2024-25 season and quickly became a vital part of the backcourt. Known for his athleticism, defensive tenacity, and scoring ability, James offers a mix of experience and energy.

* **Strengths:** Explosiveness, on-ball defense, mid-range shooting, leadership.
* **Role:** Likely to start or come off the bench as a 2-guard, James is expected to provide consistent scoring and defensive intensity.
* **Outlook:** As an experienced guard, James will be a stabilizing force and mentor to younger guards on the roster.

### 2. **Kon Knueppel — Guard/Forward**

Knueppel is a sharpshooter who provides critical spacing for Duke’s offense. His ability to hit three-pointers at a high clip forces defenses to extend and opens lanes for driving teammates.

* **Strengths:** Three-point shooting, basketball IQ, off-ball movement.
* **Role:** As a “3-and-D” wing, Knueppel’s role will be to stretch defenses and contribute defensively.
* **Outlook:** His shooting consistency will be key for Duke’s offensive efficiency.

### 3. **Khaman Maluach — Forward/Center**

Maluach brings defensive toughness and rebounding prowess to Duke’s frontcourt. While not known for scoring, his shot-blocking and rim protection are invaluable.

* **Strengths:** Rim protection, rebounding, physicality.
* **Role:** Defensive anchor in the paint; limited offensive role.
* **Outlook:** His impact will be measured more on defensive presence than box score stats.

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## Spotlight on Freshmen: The 2025 Recruiting Class

The lifeblood of any college basketball program is its incoming freshmen, and Duke’s 2025 class is loaded with talent. Let’s break down the key newcomers.

### 1. **Cooper Flagg — Forward**

Arguably the crown jewel of Duke’s 2025 class, Flagg is a highly versatile forward touted as one of the best prospects nationally. Standing around 6’8” with guard-like skills, Flagg’s ability to handle the ball, shoot from distance, and defend multiple positions makes him a potential game-changer.

* **Strengths:** Ball-handling, shooting, defensive versatility, court vision.
* **Expectations:** Immediate impact player, potential star and future NBA lottery pick.
* **Role:** Likely to start at forward, offering scoring, playmaking, and defensive flexibility.

### 2. **Jayden Hoard — Guard**

A dynamic guard known for his scoring and athleticism, Hoard provides additional depth in the backcourt.

* **Strengths:** Athleticism, scoring off the dribble, defensive potential.
* **Role:** Backcourt contributor who can score in bursts.
* **Outlook:** Development of consistency and decision-making will be key.

### 3. **Chris Kelley — Forward**

Kelley adds length and physicality to Duke’s frontcourt. While raw offensively, his defensive potential and rebounding ability could earn him minutes.

* **Strengths:** Defensive potential, size, rebounding.
* **Role:** Defensive specialist and energy player off the bench.
* **Outlook:** Needs to develop offensive skills to maximize playing time.

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## Transfers and Veteran Additions

In today’s college basketball landscape, transfers are crucial in building immediate experience and depth.

### 1. **Tyrell Foreman — Guard**

A seasoned transfer with experience at another ACC program, Foreman brings toughness and veteran savvy to Duke’s backcourt.

* **Strengths:** Leadership, mid-range shooting, defensive discipline.
* **Role:** Backup point guard providing stability and facilitating offense.
* **Outlook:** Expected to be a key rotational player and mentor to younger guards.

### 2. **Myles Campbell — Forward**

Campbell’s addition bolsters frontcourt depth with his rebounding and interior defense.

* **Strengths:** Rebounding, physicality, hustle.
* **Role:** Backup big who can provide minutes and energy.
* **Outlook:** Will need to improve offensive range to maximize impact.

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## Positional Breakdown and Battles

### Point Guard

Duke has a competitive backcourt with a mix of veterans and freshmen. The starting spot at point guard is up for grabs, with several candidates vying for the role.

* **Primary contenders:** Sion James (if he slides to point), Tyrell Foreman, Jayden Hoard.
* **Skills needed:** Ball-handling, playmaking, leadership.
* **Key questions:** Who can provide consistency and keep the offense flowing?

### Shooting Guard

Shooting guard will likely feature a blend of returning sharpshooters and athletic freshmen.

* **Primary contenders:** Kon Knueppel, Jayden Hoard, freshmen guards.
* **Skills needed:** Shooting, perimeter defense, off-ball movement.

### Small Forward / Wing

Duke’s wing rotation is deep, highlighted by versatile players like Cooper Flagg who can impact the game on both ends.

* **Primary contenders:** Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, Chris Kelley (as a stretch forward).
* **Skills needed:** Scoring versatility, defensive switching ability.

### Power Forward / Center

Frontcourt depth is solid but lacks a true dominant scorer. The emphasis is on defense, rebounding, and rim protection.

* **Primary contenders:** Khaman Maluach, Myles Campbell, Chris Kelley.
* **Skills needed:** Interior defense, rebounding, finishing around the rim.

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## Team Strengths

### Versatility

Duke’s roster features several multi-positional players like Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel, allowing Coach Scheyer flexibility in lineups and defensive schemes.

### Shooting

With sharpshooters like Knueppel and scoring wings, Duke will look to stretch the floor, creating driving lanes and spacing for cutters.

### Defense

Emphasis on rim protection from Maluach and active hands from guards like James and Foreman should anchor a tough defensive unit.

### Experience

Transfers and returning players bring NCAA tournament experience, which will be critical during the ACC grind and March Madness.

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## Areas of Concern

### Offensive Consistency

While talented, Duke’s roster lacks a proven dominant scorer who can carry the offense through difficult stretches.

### Depth in the Frontcourt

Though physical, the frontcourt depth lacks proven offensive weapons and could struggle against elite interior competition.

### Ball Handling and Playmaking

With multiple candidates at point guard, finding a consistent floor general will be essential.

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## Coaching and System Fit

Jon Scheyer’s system emphasizes pace, spacing, and aggressive defense. His ability to maximize player strengths while adapting in-game will be a key factor in the team’s success.

The roster’s versatility suits an up-tempo style, with players capable of running the floor and switching defensively.

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## What to Expect in Summer and Beyond

Summer practices and preseason will be crucial for:

* **Position battles:** Defining starters and rotations.
* **Player development:** Improving shooting consistency, defensive communication.
* **Team chemistry:** Building trust and understanding among veterans and freshmen.

Duke fans can expect a highly competitive camp with players pushing each other for minutes.

The 2025-26 Duke basketball roster combines top-level talent, promising freshmen, experienced transfers, and coaching excellence. While questions remain around offensive consistency and frontcourt depth, the team’s versatility, defensive potential, and star power position it as a serious contender.

As summer workouts progress and the season approaches, all eyes will be on how Jon Scheyer molds this talented group into a cohesive unit ready to compete for ACC and national titles.