Well, it’s time. The most famous program in college basketball, the Duke Blue Devils. Duke are coming off of an Elite 8 trip, but the season wasn’t exactly spectacular by their standards, but was a general success nonetheless. What came to a shock to many was what happened after the season. Duke had 7 players transfer out of the program. Yes, you heard that right, 7 players. A completely unheard of number for the Blue Devils. So there are a lot of newcomers, and I think you all may know the name of one of them…

Returners:

This could also be referred to as the “Point Guard section” The only two returners for Duke are junior Tyrese Proctor and sophomore Caleb Foster. Proctor averaged 10.8 points and 3.7 assists, while Foster averaged 7.7 points and 2.1 assists. Both are continuing to improve, but with all the new faces incoming, their stats may not look much better than they did last season. But their role on this team can’t be understated. They will be needed to be leaders both on and off the court on this team, and run the offense smoothly, making use of the weapons they’ll have.

Transfers:

Duke didn’t go for stars in the transfer portal, but they got what they needed with guys that filled the holes they had from returners and incoming recruits. They brought in two forwards from high major schools, Maliq Brown from Syracuse and Mason Gillis from Purdue. These two are known for their defense, and that’s what they were mainly brought in for. Last season, Brown averaged 9.5 points and 7.2 rebounds, as well as 2.2 steals and 0.9 blocks, while Gillis averaged 6.5 points and 3.9 rebounds, as well as 1.7 steals. Neither of them will have large offensive roles in the upcoming season, but will still be important pieces.

The transfer who I believe will have the largest role for the Blue Devils is their addition from Tulane, Sion James. Sion is a physical guard who can also shoot well, at 38% from three last year. He won’t have a massive offensive role, but it will be key that he gets 6-8 points per game on an efficient clip. He is also a plus defender, which is a large reason Duke recruited him. Their final transfer is Cameron Sheffield, coming from Rice. He didn’t play last season, and only averaged 7.6 points per game in the 22-23 season, so I don’t see him touching the floor in significant minutes this season. To be honest, it seems like more of an academic transfer than anything else.

Recruits:

Here’s the part you’ve all waited for… The #1 recruiting class in the country, highlighted by the #1 recruit in the country, Cooper Flagg. Flagg is a generational talent who can do it all. He projects to be a top 5 player in the country as a freshman, and will be the best player on this Duke team. Next is the 7’1 center from South Sudan, Khaman Maluach. Maluach has elite physical traits and is another top 5 recruit. It will be key for the Blue Devils that he can make an immediate impact and be a physical enough presence for them. Following those two is two five star forwards. Sharpshooter Kon Knueppel, and all around playmaker Isaiah Evans. Both of them will be guys that will have a few big games off the bench due to their offensive skillsets, and those boosts will be very important. This is followed by center Patrick Ngongba II, who could play a large role depending on how other incoming players can adapt, and forward Darren Harris, who probably won’t play much, but was a top 40 recruit.

Season Outlook

The Duke Blue Devils are going to start the season as a top 10 team and they should never leave that area, at least according to their fans. The expectation for this recruiting class is sky high, and although I don’t think this Duke team has quite enough offensively to win the NCAA Tournament, they are definitely in strong position to make a long run in the tournament and are the favorites in the ACC with their rival, UNC. If Cooper Flagg is all he has been said to be, don’t be surprised when you see this team in the 2nd or 3rd weekend.

P.C. Forbes