Stay, Go, Hello: Duke, Jon Scheyer Look to Reload with No. 1 Class
Duke Basketball is once again positioned to reload for the future with an elite recruiting class, and head coach Jon Scheyer is determined to continue the program’s legacy of success. As the Blue Devils’ 2024-25 season comes to a close, the focus has already shifted to what is shaping up to be one of the most highly anticipated classes in the nation. With the addition of a stellar No. 1 recruiting class, Scheyer is looking to build a team that can challenge for a national title while balancing the crucial decisions surrounding players deciding whether to stay, go, or say hello to new opportunities.
The Stay: Keeping Key Contributors
As with every successful program, continuity is key. While Duke has consistently attracted high-profile recruits, it’s the experienced returnees who can make the difference in transitioning a new class of talented freshmen into contributors on the court. This offseason, Coach Scheyer is hoping to retain key players who can lead the team and mentor the incoming class.
Duke’s roster has the potential to return some seasoned players who could greatly benefit from another year in the college system. These players will help provide stability as Duke welcomes some of the top prospects in the country. Last year, Scheyer saw major contributions from players like Kyle Filipowski, who could return for another season, providing much-needed leadership for a team in transition. Players like him will be crucial in setting the tone for the Blue Devils both on and off the court.
For Scheyer, convincing his players to stay in Durham for another season isn’t just about developing their skills for the next level—it’s about fostering the team culture and keeping the Blue Devils competitive in the ACC and nationally. The opportunity to be a part of the No. 1 recruiting class may also help sway some players to stay another year, as they look to elevate their draft stock and build a title-contending squad.
The Go: NBA Dreams on the Horizon
While Duke’s incoming class brings hope for the future, the reality of college basketball is that top-tier talent often leaves after one season. This offseason, Coach Scheyer is bracing for several departures as top Blue Devil players test the waters of the NBA Draft. With an impressive season under his belt, standout freshman Tyrese Proctor is expected to be one of the players weighing his professional options. His impressive ball-handling and scoring ability have made him a coveted prospect, and it’s likely he will receive attention from NBA scouts.
If Proctor and other standout freshmen, such as Mark Mitchell, opt to leave early, it will undoubtedly leave gaps in the lineup. However, Scheyer is no stranger to roster turnover, and the ability to reload with elite talent every year has been a trademark of the program’s success. With new recruits coming in, the loss of key players will be mitigated by the influx of fresh talent.
Duke’s recruiting success ensures that the departure of a few top players will not diminish the team’s prospects for the next season. Scheyer has the infrastructure and talent pipeline to keep the Blue Devils competitive, regardless of player departures.
The Hello: No. 1 Recruiting Class Ready to Dominate
Duke’s recruiting efforts are currently at a fever pitch, with the team securing the top spot in the 2025 class rankings. A group of elite high school players, headlined by coveted forward Cooper Flagg, has committed to the Blue Devils, promising to bring even more excitement to Cameron Indoor Stadium. Flagg, one of the most highly anticipated prospects in recent memory, is a versatile forward who can impact the game on both ends of the floor with his scoring ability, rebounding, and defensive presence.
Along with Flagg, Duke has also secured commitments from other top-tier prospects, ensuring that the program will continue to attract elite talent. The new recruits will likely bring a mix of scoring and defensive depth that will complement the veterans already on the roster. With Scheyer’s ability to develop and maximize his players’ potential, this new class could be a perfect fit for the Blue Devils’ up-tempo, balanced style of play.
Scheyer’s coaching acumen, combined with the influx of talented new players, means the future of Duke basketball is as bright as ever. The arrival of these elite recruits, especially Flagg, is sure to elevate the program to new heights and make them a force to be reckoned with in the ACC and nationally.
A Fresh Chapter for Duke
Duke basketball is entering an exciting new chapter with Jon Scheyer at the helm, and the decisions surrounding which players will stay, which will go, and who will be saying hello to a new season are part of the natural cycle of building a championship-caliber team. With one of the top recruiting classes in the nation coming to Durham and the stability provided by returning talent, the Blue Devils look primed to reload and continue their tradition of excellence under Scheyer’s leadership. The team will have to navigate the challenges of roster turnover and balancing veteran experience with fresh talent, but if the past is any indication, Duke will once again be one of the top contenders in college basketball.
