Duke’s basketball season came to a disappointing close in the Elite Eight on Sunday, as it lost to UConn, 73-72. While many people are still examining why the Blue Devils blew a 19-point lead, it’s time to look forward to next season.
What Duke’s Roster Could Look Like Next Season
The Blue Devils could be facing significant roster changes this offseason, as center Maliq Brown is set to be out of eligibility, and standout freshman phenom Cameron Boozer is likely heading to the NBA. Sophomore shooting guard Isaiah Evans will likely follow Boozer to the league, and it will be a wait-and-see on what will happen with center Patrick Ngongba II, forward Dame Sarr and guard Caleb Foster.
Ngongba, Sarr and Foster might all be on their way to the NBA or possibly enter the transfer portal. It’s more likely that Sarr and Ngongba will pursue professional basketball, and if they decide to spend another season in college, it would likely be at Duke. However, it seems that Foster has played his final season as a Blue Devil.
Could Foster Head to The Portal
There’s a strong chance that Foster will use his final year of eligibility in college; yet, attending Duke might not be a viable option for him. The Blue Devils should have Cayden Boozer returning next season, and they’re also adding one of the top guards from the 2026 high school recruiting class, Deron Rippey Jr.
Boozer and Rippey are likely to be the starters in the backcourt next season, which could leave Foster without a spot on the team. There’s nothing wrong with Foster; he played exceptionally well this season. Regardless, in college sports, teams often move on from players with fewer years of eligibility remaining in favor of those with several years left. This is done to prevent them from transferring to another school.
It would be great for Duke to keep both Sarr and Ngongba, as they are likely to be starters. The Blue Devils are also bringing in forward Cameron Williams, who is currently ranked No. 3 in the 2026 class according to ESPN.
A starting lineup next season could look something like this: Boozer and Rippey at the guards, Sarr and Williams at forward, with Ngongba at center. Duke is also bringing in the No. 23 player in the ESPN 100 forward Bryson Howard, who could come off the bench with guard Nikolas Khamenia.
The Blue Devils Need to Attack the Portal Like 2024
The Blue Devils should definitely focus on bolstering their transfer portal efforts to potentially secure a starter, especially if someone who initially intended to return to school decides otherwise. More importantly, they need to get deeper on the bench.
Duke scored big with its 2024 recruiting class, bringing in guard Sion James, Mason Gillis and Brown. When all three committed to Duke, none were expected to start. James quickly became a key starter for Foster early in the season and never looked back. The Blue Devils have to find a few veteran players who can be anchors off the bench in the portal.
What Duke’s Roster Might Look Like Next Season Without Cameron Boozer