Duke basketball eyeing elite shooter in the transfer portal

Duke is experiencing a significant departure of players under Jon Scheyer’s leadership as they prepare for the 2024-25 season. While boasting one of the nation’s top freshman classes, it’s doubtful they can fully compensate for the loss of key starters and role players.

Among those departing, only Caleb Foster, Sean Stewart, and Tyrese Proctor, who saw rotation time last season, are set to return for the upcoming season.

Duke, like many college basketball teams, faces a pressing need to bolster its roster through the transfer portal, particularly seeking shooting, guard talent, and overall depth.

Recent reports indicate that Duke is exploring options with Koby Brea from Dayton, a sharpshooter who recently entered the transfer portal. According to Jamie Shaw of On3 Sports, Duke is among several schools expressing interest in acquiring Brea’s services.

Brea boasts an impressive shooting résumé, ranking among the nation’s top sharpshooters. Over his four seasons at Dayton, he maintained a remarkable average of 2 made three-pointers per game, shooting at an impressive 43.4% from beyond the arc. Last season, his shooting prowess reached new heights, recording an outstanding 49.8% success rate on 6.1 three-point attempts per game, highlighting his exceptional combination of shooting volume and efficiency.

As a graduate transfer, Brea would have just one remaining year of eligibility. While he may not be expected to contribute significantly in other facets of the game, Duke’s roster already boasts sufficient shot creation and scoring abilities. Instead, Brea would primarily be tasked with coming off screens, providing spacing on the floor, and knocking down open shots for the Blue Devils.

Insider Zyavier Ricks, as reported on X, indicates that Duke is among the top contenders vying to secure Brea’s services.

Indeed, Duke faces stiff competition in the pursuit of the sharpshooter. However, regardless of whether they secure Brea’s commitment, their interest underscores their strategic approach in addressing the needs around their incoming star freshmen for the upcoming season.