October 2023 started Duke roster strategy for the 2025 national championship. Cooper Flagg, the top recruit in the 2024 class and a projected No. 1 choice in the 2025 NBA Draft, committed to the Blue Devils at that point. For head coach Jon Scheyer, entering his third season and following Duke’s Elite Eight loss to NC State, his arrival increased the pressure.
Scheyer knew Duke roster strategy required balance over simply gathering top talent.
“I feel my biggest job is roster construction,” Scheyer said after Wake Forest lost. “Although it has always been important in college basketball, now more than ever.”
Duke’s Novel Method for Roster Development
Duke took a mixed approach. Unlike teams relying solely on the transfer portal, they secured five of ESPN’s top 50 recruits while strategically adding veteran transfers. This resulted in:
- One of Duke’s strongest seasons in 25 years
- An ACC regular-season championship
- A No. 1 seed in the East Region of the NCAA tournament
Florida State head coach Leonard Hamilton recognized their dominance:
“In the Scheyer era, this Duke squad is the most effective we have encountered. Although they may not have as many superstars as previous teams, they play at a high level and capitalize on every mistake.”
Read more about NCAA recruiting trends here.
Roster Overhaul and Freshman Integration
Following Duke’s loss to NC State, the roster saw major changes:
- Jared McCain and Kyle Filipowski declared for the NBA Draft.
- Seven players, including Jeremy Roach and Mark Mitchell, departed.
- Only Caleb Foster and Tyrese Proctor returned.
With most elite teams built around experienced veterans, some questioned Duke’s championship chances. However, Scheyer’s Duke roster strategy mirrored their 2015 title run, featuring Jahlil Okafor, Justise Winslow, and Tyus Jones.
The Foundation of Freshmen
Duke’s reliance on young talent proved successful. Starting every game and making an impact, Flagg, Khaman Maluach, and Kon Knueppel led the way:
- Cooper Flagg: A top contender for National Player of the Year.
- Khaman Maluach: Dominating with 74% field-goal shooting and strong rebounding.
- Kon Knueppel: Duke’s second-leading scorer, adding offensive consistency.
Isaiah Evans also thrived, averaging 17.3 points over a four-game stretch in February. Even Patrick Ngongba provided key minutes when needed.
Check out Duke’s full roster for the 2024-25 season. (Internal Link)
Strategic Use of the Transfer Portal
Duke blended youth with three experienced transfers:
- Mason Gillis (Purdue): A 40% career three-point shooter.
- Maliq Brown (Syracuse): An elite defensive presence inside.
- Jalen Cook (Tulane): A versatile guard averaging 14.0 points on 38% three-point shooting.
These veterans sacrificed personal accolades to support a championship-caliber team. Their leadership helped Duke’s freshmen navigate the rigors of the season.
Flagg acknowledged their importance:
“They have been amazing role models. From preparation to handling adversity, they have taught me so much.”
Cooper Flagg: The Glue Holding Duke Together
At the heart of Duke’s roster strategy, Flagg’s leadership, relentless work ethic, and selfless play unified the team. Former Duke assistant coach Jai Lucas emphasized Flagg’s impact:
“Egos disappear when your best player sets the standard. Cooper drives everything from start to finish.”
The Blueprint for Future Success
While the “six freshmen” model might not be replicable every season, Duke’s success proves that Duke’s roster strategy—balancing elite youth with veteran leadership—remains crucial. In the transfer portal era, the key to building a lasting contender lies in finding the right mix of raw talent and experience.