Duke’s Transfer Portal Targets and Priorities for 2024 CBB Season Disclosed

The Duke men’s basketball team is expected to undergo significant changes in the 2024-25 season, with the transfer portal playing a crucial role in roster adjustments.

In light of this, Brendan Marks of The Athletic outlined the criteria that the Blue Devils will prioritize when exploring the portal, particularly if Jeremy Roach, TJ Power, and Sean Stewart decide to transfer.

Marks indicated on Tuesday that Duke will focus on acquiring a “starting-caliber forward” with experience, capable of stretching the floor with outside shooting while also providing interior defense. Additionally, Duke aims to secure a backup guard proficient in ball-handling and a backup big man.

Head coach Jon Scheyer faces the task of reshaping the Duke basketball team following the declarations for the NBA draft by Kyle Filipowski and Jared McCain. These players were pivotal to Duke’s success during the 2023-24 season, contributing significantly to the team’s Elite Eight appearance. According to B/R’s Jonathan Wasserman, both Filipowski and McCain are projected as lottery picks in the upcoming draft, with McCain slated at No. 12 overall and Filipowski at No. 13.

Fortunately, Duke has secured the nation’s top-rated recruiting class, according to 247Sports’ composite rankings. At the forefront of this class is Cooper Flagg, a 5-star prospect and the No. 1 overall player for the 2024 cycle, per 247Sports. Flagg is expected to assume a leading role for Duke, possessing the versatility to handle the ball, shoot from the frontcourt, and excel as an interior defender, making him a formidable matchup for opponents.

Additionally, Duke welcomes highly touted forwards Isaiah Evans and Kon Knueppel, both rated as 5-star prospects. The team also benefits from the return of guards Tyrese Proctor and Caleb Foster, providing valuable experience in the backcourt.

However, Scheyer reportedly aims to bolster the team’s frontcourt by adding experienced forwards and big men through the transfer portal. While Duke boasts talented freshmen, the presence of seasoned veterans in the frontcourt will enhance depth and stability, particularly during critical moments of the season.

The expectation for the Blue Devils is always to reach the Final Four, and that remains unchanged for the upcoming season.

With recent appearances in the Elite Eight in two of the last three years, Duke demonstrates its consistent competitiveness at the highest levels of college basketball. Moreover, the team boasts ample talent on the roster even before considering potential additions from the transfer portal.