Title: Duke’s Offseason Struggles: What’s Going Wrong in 2025?

Introduction: The Duke Blue Devils are traditionally one of the most successful and well-funded programs in college basketball, with a history rich in championships and elite talent. However, 2025’s offseason is shaping up to be one of uncertainty and disappointment. From coaching challenges to recruiting woes, this offseason is not unfolding the way Coach Jon Scheyer and his team had envisioned. In this article, we will break down what has gone wrong, where the team stands now, and what the future holds for Duke basketball.

When Coach Mike Krzyzewski retired after the 2021-22 season, many wondered how Duke would fare without their legendary leader. Jon Scheyer, a former Duke player and longtime assistant coach, was handed the reins. While many fans were hopeful that the transition would be seamless, the reality has been far more complicated.

Scheyer’s first two years were a mixed bag. In year one, he inherited a talented team and managed to reach the Final Four. However, last season’s performance raised questions about his ability to manage the ups and downs of a season, especially as Duke faced early exits in the postseason.

During this offseason, Scheyer’s ability to recruit and maintain stability within the program has been tested. With some key staff changes and a new focus on modernizing the game, his ability to navigate the ever-changing landscape of college basketball will be critical in the coming years.

Duke has long been known as a recruiting powerhouse, pulling in some of the top high school talent year after year. However, 2025 has proven to be a challenging year on the recruiting trail. The Blue Devils were heavily involved in several high-profile recruitments but came up short in multiple key battles.

The most notable disappointment came when they lost out on top prospects who had once seemed like locks to join the Blue Devils. Players like [insert name(s)] and [insert name(s)] chose to go elsewhere, leaving a gap in the roster that could be tough to fill.

This recruiting slump, compounded by NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) developments and the ever-evolving transfer portal landscape, has left Duke in a precarious position. Without the influx of elite talent they have been accustomed to, the team will need to rely more heavily on developing existing players and navigating the portal effectively—something Duke has historically not had to rely on as much as some of their competitors.

The transfer portal has changed the landscape of college basketball dramatically. Duke, typically a program that builds from within, has found itself in unfamiliar territory, needing to leverage the portal to fill roster holes for the 2025 season.

The Blue Devils have added a few key players from the transfer portal, but none of them are game-changers on the level that the program has historically attracted through high school recruiting. The chemistry between these incoming transfers and the returning players will be a crucial factor in how successful this team can be.

For Scheyer, managing a team with a mixture of players from different backgrounds and playing styles presents a new set of challenges. While Coach K had the luxury of a stable roster with established roles, Scheyer will have to quickly integrate these transfers into a cohesive unit—a feat that is not easy to accomplish.

Another key issue for Duke during this offseason has been player development. With some of their top returning players from last season underperforming, the development of the roster has come into sharp focus. While players like [insert name(s)] and [insert name(s)] have shown flashes of potential, their inconsistency has been concerning.

For a program like Duke, which thrives on developing its young talent, this offseason has shown the limitations of the current roster. With limited impact from the recruiting class and a need for immediate contributions from the older players, the development of their underclassmen will be a make-or-break factor for the upcoming season.

The coaching staff will need to work hard to refine their players’ skills, improve their basketball IQ, and instill confidence. Given the rapid pace at which the game is evolving, it’s unclear whether the current crop of players will be able to adapt quickly enough to stay competitive.

Another challenge for Duke’s offseason has been injuries. Several key players have been dealing with injuries that have hindered their offseason preparation. With the highly competitive nature of college basketball, staying healthy through the offseason and preseason is critical for success.

These injuries have disrupted the team’s chemistry, especially in practices and exhibitions, where players can build on their individual strengths and prepare for the grind of a full season. Some of the most notable injuries include [insert name(s)] who had to undergo surgery or who have been sidelined for extended periods.

Duke’s depth will be tested early in the season if players are unable to recover quickly. Relying on an untested bench or freshmen could lead to significant growing pains, particularly in high-pressure games or close matchups with ACC rivals.

The college basketball landscape is more competitive than ever, and the ACC, traditionally a strong conference for Duke, has seen increased competition in recent years. Teams like [insert rival team names] have made significant strides, and some are expected to challenge Duke for supremacy in the conference.

Programs across the country are also raising their recruiting and development standards, making it even harder for Duke to maintain its dominant position. The rise of other powerhouse programs, as well as the increasing influence of NIL deals, presents a unique challenge for a program that has long relied on its prestige and tradition to attract top talent.

If Duke fails to keep up with this rapidly changing environment, the Blue Devils could find themselves on the outside looking in when it comes to championship contention.

As the offseason progresses, one of Duke’s biggest needs is strong leadership—both from the coaching staff and the players themselves. Jon Scheyer, still in his early years as head coach, will have to find ways to inspire and motivate his players. Leadership in college basketball isn’t just about coaching Xs and Os; it’s about establishing a winning mentality and fostering a strong team culture.

On the court, Duke needs a leader who can step up when the game is on the line, someone who can take charge in clutch moments. Historically, players like Zion Williamson, RJ Barrett, and others have been able to elevate their games in crucial moments. Without a clear standout player emerging, Duke’s hopes for success this season could be in jeopardy.

Looking ahead to the 2025 season, the Blue Devils are facing a number of challenges. While it’s still too early to fully write off their chances, it’s clear that this is a defining year for Jon Scheyer and the program. The team’s success will likely hinge on how well they manage player development, navigate the transfer portal, and integrate their new recruits into the system.

The ACC remains a competitive conference, and the Blue Devils will need to perform well both in league play and in the NCAA Tournament to stay in the national spotlight. With the pressure mounting on Scheyer to prove that he can continue the legacy of excellence that Coach K built, every game in 2025 will be critical for the future of Duke basketball.

Duke’s offseason in 2025 has not been smooth, and there are many questions surrounding the team heading into the new season. From coaching adjustments and recruitment misses to roster injuries and increased competition in the ACC, the Blue Devils will have their work cut out for them. However, with the right moves, leadership, and player development, Duke still has the potential to remain a top-tier program in college basketball. It’s a crucial year for Jon Scheyer and the Blue Devils, and how they respond to these challenges will determine whether they can continue to add to their storied history or face a more difficult future ahead.