Insider Forecasts Next Duke Basketball Starting Five
As the Duke Blue Devils prepare for the 2025–26 men’s basketball season, the team faces a significant transition. With the departure of all five starters from the previous season—Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, Tyrese Proctor, Khaman Maluach, and Sion James—the Blue Devils are set to introduce a new starting lineup. This overhaul presents both challenges and opportunities as Duke integrates returning players, incoming transfers, and a top-ranked recruiting class.
Projected Starting Lineup for 2025–26
Point Guard: Caleb Foster (Junior)
Caleb Foster returns as a seasoned guard, bringing experience and leadership to the backcourt. After navigating a challenging sophomore season, Foster demonstrated resilience and growth, making him a strong candidate to lead the team’s offense. His ability to facilitate plays and contribute defensively will be crucial for Duke’s success.
Shooting Guard: Isaiah Evans (Sophomore)
Isaiah Evans, a former five-star recruit, is expected to step into a more prominent role. Known for his scoring ability and athleticism, Evans has the potential to be a dynamic presence on the wing. His development will be instrumental in filling the scoring void left by departing players.
Small Forward: Cedric Coward (Redshirt Junior Transfer from Washington State)
Cedric Coward joins Duke after a brief but impactful stint at Washington State, where he averaged 17.7 points and 7.0 rebounds per game before a season-ending shoulder injury. His versatility and experience add depth to the roster, and if fully recovered, he could be a key contributor on both ends of the floor.
Power Forward: Cameron Boozer (Freshman)
Cameron Boozer, the son of Duke legend Carlos Boozer, arrives as one of the most highly touted recruits in the nation. His size, skill set, and basketball IQ make him a candidate for immediate impact. Boozer’s presence in the frontcourt is anticipated to be a cornerstone of Duke’s strategy.
Center: Patrick Ngongba II (Sophomore)
Patrick Ngongba II is poised to take on a larger role in the frontcourt. Standing at 6-foot-11, his size and defensive capabilities will be vital in anchoring the paint. Ngongba’s continued development could solidify Duke’s interior presence.
Key Bench Contributors
- Cayden Boozer (Freshman Guard): Joining his twin brother Cameron, Cayden brings strong playmaking abilities and a high basketball IQ. As a true point guard, he offers depth and could challenge for significant minutes.
- Maliq Brown (Junior Forward): A transfer from Syracuse, Brown is known for his defensive prowess and rebounding. His experience and versatility make him a valuable asset off the bench.
- Nikolas Khamenia (Freshman Forward): A five-star recruit, Khamenia adds athleticism and scoring potential to the wing positions. His ability to stretch the floor could be beneficial in various lineups.
- Darren Harris (Sophomore Guard): After limited action in his freshman year, Harris is expected to contribute more significantly, particularly with his perimeter shooting.
Coaching and Strategy
Head Coach Jon Scheyer faces the task of integrating a roster filled with new faces and varying levels of experience. The blend of seasoned players and talented freshmen offers flexibility in crafting lineups and strategies. Emphasizing defense, ball movement, and player development will be key focuses as the team seeks to build chemistry and cohesion.
Outlook for the Season
The 2025–26 season presents a fresh chapter for Duke basketball. While the loss of the previous starting lineup is significant, the infusion of top-tier talent and experienced transfers positions the Blue Devils to remain competitive. The development of young players and the leadership of returning veterans will be critical factors in determining the team’s success.
As the season approaches, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this new iteration of Duke basketball coalesces on the court. With a mix of legacy, potential, and ambition, the Blue Devils aim to uphold their storied tradition and pursue excellence in the upcoming campaign.
