The college basketball world was set ablaze today as Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer officially unveiled the team’s roster for the 2025 season, marking another pivotal moment in his rapidly evolving tenure at the helm of one of the sport’s most storied programs. Since taking over for the legendary Mike Krzyzewski, Scheyer has faced immense pressure to maintain Duke’s standard of excellence while navigating the ever-changing landscape of modern college basketball. With this latest roster announcement, he has once again demonstrated his ability to recruit elite talent, blend experience with youth, and position the Blue Devils as a national championship contender. The 2025 squad features a mix of returning stars, high-profile transfers, and a freshman class that ranks among the best in the country, setting the stage for what could be a defining season for Scheyer and the program.
At the heart of Duke’s 2025 roster are the returning players who bring continuity and leadership to a team with sky-high expectations. Leading the charge is sophomore guard Caleb Foster, whose breakout freshman campaign showcased his scoring ability, court vision, and defensive tenacity. Foster, a former five-star recruit, is expected to take on an even larger role this season as the primary floor general, orchestrating Duke’s offense with poise and creativity. Alongside him, fellow sophomore Sean Stewart returns with a chip on his shoulder after showing flashes of brilliance in his debut season. Stewart’s athleticism, rebounding, and improving offensive game make him a critical piece in Duke’s frontcourt, and his development under Scheyer’s guidance will be key to the team’s success.
The Blue Devils also welcome back junior guard Tyrese Proctor, whose decision to return to Durham instead of entering the NBA Draft was met with widespread excitement from the Duke faithful. Proctor’s experience, perimeter shooting, and ability to defend multiple positions provide invaluable stability to a roster that will rely on his leadership. His growth as a playmaker and decision-maker will be crucial in high-stakes moments, particularly in ACC play and the NCAA Tournament. Another key returnee is sophomore forward Mark Mitchell, whose versatility and defensive prowess make him a matchup nightmare for opponents. Mitchell’s ability to guard multiple positions and contribute on the offensive end gives Scheyer a reliable weapon on both ends of the floor.
While the returning players form a strong foundation, it’s the incoming talent that has generated the most buzz around this Duke roster. Headlining the freshman class is Cooper Flagg, the nation’s top-ranked recruit and a generational talent whose skill set has drawn comparisons to NBA stars like Kevin Durant and Jayson Tatum. Flagg, a 6’9” forward with elite scoring ability, defensive instincts, and basketball IQ, is expected to make an immediate impact and could very well be the centerpiece of Duke’s championship aspirations. His arrival in Durham has already electrified the fanbase, and his presence on the court will undoubtedly draw national attention every time the Blue Devils take the floor.
Joining Flagg in Duke’s stellar freshman class is five-star guard Isaiah Evans, a dynamic scorer with a knack for getting buckets in a variety of ways. Evans’ ability to create his own shot, stretch the floor with his three-point shooting, and defend at a high level makes him a perfect fit for Scheyer’s system. His offensive firepower will be a welcome addition to a team that aims to play fast, unselfish, and efficient basketball. Another freshman to watch is Patrick Ngongba II, a highly touted big man whose size, strength, and touch around the rim give Duke a much-needed interior presence. Ngongba’s development throughout the season could be a determining factor in Duke’s ability to compete with the nation’s best frontcourts.
In addition to the freshman phenoms, Scheyer bolstered the roster through the transfer portal, landing two key additions who bring experience and proven production at the high-major level. The first is former Tulane guard Sion James, a versatile playmaker who averaged double-digit points and showcased his ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. James’ maturity, basketball IQ, and defensive intensity make him an ideal fit for Duke’s culture, and his leadership will be invaluable in a locker room filled with young talent. The second transfer is former Syracuse forward Maliq Brown, a defensive stalwart whose shot-blocking, rebounding, and energy will provide a spark off the bench. Brown’s familiarity with the ACC and his ability to guard multiple positions add depth to a roster that aims to wear opponents down with its versatility.
Scheyer’s ability to assemble such a talented and balanced roster speaks volumes about his recruiting prowess and his vision for the program. The 2025 Duke Blue Devils are built to compete at the highest level, with a combination of elite scoring, stifling defense, and unselfish play that embodies the values of Duke basketball. The team’s depth allows Scheyer to experiment with different lineups, whether it’s playing small-ball with Flagg at the five or utilizing a more traditional lineup with Ngongba anchoring the paint. This flexibility will be crucial as Duke navigates a challenging schedule that includes marquee non-conference matchups against Kentucky, Kansas, and Arizona, as well as the always-grueling ACC slate featuring battles with North Carolina, Virginia, and Miami.
The announcement of the 2025 roster has ignited a wave of optimism among Duke fans, who are eager to see this group take the floor and chase the program’s sixth national championship. Social media has been flooded with reactions to the roster reveal, with analysts and fans alike praising Scheyer’s ability to reload with elite talent while maintaining the program’s identity. Many have already pegged the Blue Devils as a preseason top-five team, with some even projecting them as the early favorite to cut down the nets next April.
Of course, with great talent comes great expectations, and Scheyer is well aware of the pressure that comes with coaching at Duke. The 2025 season will be a defining moment in his young head-coaching career, as he looks to prove that the Blue Devils can remain a powerhouse in the post-Krzyzewski era. The pieces are in place for a special season, but it will ultimately come down to how quickly the team can gel, how the freshmen adapt to the college game, and how Scheyer manages the rotation in high-leverage moments.
One thing is certain: Duke basketball is back in the national spotlight, and the 2025 roster has all the makings of a team that could deliver unforgettable moments. From the star power of Cooper Flagg to the steady leadership of Tyrese Proctor and the depth provided by the transfers, this group has the potential to write its own chapter in Duke’s storied history. The journey begins now, and the college basketball world will be watching closely as Jon Scheyer and the Blue Devils embark on what could be a legendary season.
