Duke’s Potential Starting Lineup for Next Season Offers a Glimpse Into a New Era
As Duke basketball turns the page on one of its most exciting seasons in recent memory, all signs are pointing toward a brand-new starting five taking shape in Durham. With the departure of the entire starting lineup from last season, a fresh group of players is preparing to step into the spotlight. Based on off-season developments, recent roster decisions, and emerging performances, it appears that head coach Jon Scheyer may have subtly revealed who will be leading the Blue Devils on the court when the new season tips off.
Last season’s team, which captivated fans with an electric run through the ACC and deep into the NCAA Tournament, has now officially transitioned into a new era. All five starters from that squad have declared for the NBA Draft. These include high-profile players who left behind a lasting impact—talents that defined Duke’s dominance last year and kept the program among the nation’s elite. With that exodus, the team enters the upcoming season with a blank canvas, and how Scheyer fills it has been the subject of constant speculation.
Now, the mystery may be unraveling, and fans are beginning to see what the next version of the Blue Devils could look like. The projected starting five is taking shape around a mix of returning contributors and dynamic newcomers, each of whom brings a unique skill set and the potential to leave their own mark on Duke basketball history.
Running the point will likely be junior guard Caleb Foster. Foster has steadily climbed the ranks within the program and is expected to take on a leadership role this year. Though his sophomore campaign may not have matched some preseason expectations, there’s no question about his talent or potential. Known for his physical presence at the guard position, Foster brings size, defense, and the ability to control tempo. With no significant additions through the transfer portal in this position, it seems clear the coaching staff is putting its trust in Foster to take full command of the offense and emerge as the floor general for this new-look squad.
Next to Foster, at shooting guard, is Isaiah Evans. A returning sophomore, Evans turned heads during his freshman season thanks to his sharp shooting and offensive instincts. He showcased a confident shooting stroke, particularly from beyond the arc, and his ability to stretch the floor made him one of the more valuable bench assets last year. After briefly testing NBA Draft waters, Evans chose to return, signaling his commitment to not just develop his game but to take on a larger role. His return gives Duke an elite perimeter shooter and someone who has already proven he can score at a high level against top competition.
Sliding into the small forward position is Dame Sarr, a newcomer with international experience that sets him apart from most freshmen. Sarr arrives at Duke with a background in professional European basketball, having played with a top-level team in Spain. His time overseas has given him exposure to high-caliber competition, and his mature game reflects that. With a tall frame, efficient shooting touch, and advanced court awareness, Sarr is expected to contribute immediately. His versatility on both ends of the floor offers Duke a valuable asset, capable of guarding multiple positions while also serving as a scoring option on the wing.
At power forward, all eyes are on Cameron Boozer. The top recruit in Duke’s 2025 class, Boozer brings with him a pedigree that has excited fans and scouts alike. Widely regarded as one of the most complete high school players in recent years, Boozer combines strength, skill, and basketball IQ in a way that makes him an immediate impact player. His ability to rebound, score from multiple areas on the floor, and defend effectively makes him a natural choice to start. With the departure of Duke’s previous frontcourt stars, Boozer steps into an ideal situation to showcase his abilities early and often.
Anchoring the center position is sophomore Patrick Ngongba II. Injuries limited his playing time during his freshman year, but the glimpses he offered were promising. Standing tall with a strong build and natural instincts around the rim, Ngongba is poised to become the defensive anchor for this new Duke team. His shot-blocking ability and rebounding presence make him a logical replacement for the departed stars in the post. Now healthy and ready to assume a larger role, he has the chance to grow into one of the most dependable big men in the ACC.
This projected starting five—Foster, Evans, Sarr, Boozer, and Ngongba—offers an intriguing mix of experience and potential. It reflects a strategic pivot from last year’s squad, emphasizing internal development, high-level recruiting, and selective roster management. Rather than flood the team with transfers, Duke has leaned into its tradition of nurturing talent from within while blending it with elite incoming freshmen. This approach shows a level of confidence in both the returning players and the coaching staff’s ability to develop chemistry and cohesion early in the season.
In addition to the starters, Duke boasts a strong bench with players ready to contribute at a moment’s notice. Names like Darren Harris, Cayden Boozer, Maliq Brown, and Nikolas Khamenia round out a supporting cast that offers depth across all positions. These players may not be listed in the starting lineup on opening night, but they are likely to play key roles in rotation throughout the season. In fact, depending on how practices and early non-conference games unfold, there’s always room for changes and surprises in the starting five.
One of the most impressive aspects of this developing lineup is the physical profile. With multiple players standing above 6’6”, Duke is shaping up to be a long, athletic, and versatile team. This physicality will allow them to switch defensively, contest shots, and create mismatches offensively. It’s a roster built for modern college basketball—a team that can shoot, defend, and move the ball with fluidity. The spacing offered by Evans and Sarr, combined with Boozer’s inside-out presence and Ngongba’s rim protection, creates a balanced offensive and defensive unit.
There’s also a strong narrative component to this group. Each of the projected starters has something to prove. Foster is stepping into a leadership role after seasons of learning and limited responsibility. Evans is back to prove he’s more than just a shooter. Sarr is making the leap from international basketball to one of the most storied programs in NCAA history. Boozer carries the weight of massive expectations, and Ngongba is looking to show what he can do with consistent playing time. Together, they bring a hunger and edge that will serve them well in the high-pressure environment that surrounds Duke basketball.
This potential lineup also highlights Jon Scheyer’s evolution as a head coach. Now entering his fourth year at the helm, Scheyer has shown a steady hand in recruiting, player development, and strategic flexibility. He’s building teams that don’t just rely on one-and-done stars but aim for cohesion and balance. The blueprint is clear: surround top-tier talent with returning experience, create a culture of accountability, and emphasize two-way play. If this lineup performs as projected, it could be a sign that the Scheyer era is not just maintaining Duke’s legacy but actively evolving it.
Of course, no starting five is set in stone before the season begins. Injuries, performance shifts, and coaching decisions can all alter the lineup. However, the current indicators—the way the roster has been shaped, the roles players are assuming in practice, and the decisions made by returning players and incoming freshmen—all suggest that this is the group the coaching staff is preparing to lead the program.
For Duke fans, this lineup represents the excitement of new possibilities. It’s a chance to watch future stars emerge, to follow a season filled with unknowns and surprises, and to witness the beginning of new player journeys. With a team that blends shooting, size, athleticism, and energy, expectations will remain high. The pressure to compete at the highest level never leaves Durham, but the talent and drive in this projected starting five suggest the Blue Devils will be ready.
As the offseason gives way to preseason, Duke basketball stands on the edge of a new chapter. The names may be different, but the ambition remains the same—to contend, to compete, and to chase championships. If the early hints are accurate, fans may have already seen the starting five that will define the next phase of Blue Devil basketball.
