Transfer Portal Tracker: Who is Staying, and Who is Leaving at Duke Blue Devils?
As the 2025 college basketball season looms, the Duke Blue Devils are undergoing some significant roster changes with several players entering and leaving the transfer portal. The transfer portal has become a vital part of college basketball’s landscape in recent years, and Coach Jon Scheyer’s team is no exception. With the Blue Devils already positioned as one of the top programs in the country, the additions and departures during the portal window will play a significant role in shaping their upcoming season.
Who’s Leaving:
Duke has seen a number of players decide to enter the transfer portal this year. While the team has been successful on the court in recent years, these departures highlight the competitive nature of the program and the evolving dynamics within the locker room. Here’s a closer look at the players leaving:
1. Tyrese Proctor – Proctor, a talented guard who showed flashes of brilliance during his time at Duke, has made the decision to explore his options through the transfer portal. Though the Australian-born player was a fan favorite, his desire for more playing time and a more prominent role led to his decision to leave the program. Proctor was known for his ability to make plays with the ball and shoot from deep, and he’ll be missed by Duke fans.
2. Kyle Filipowski – The standout big man who played an important role in Duke’s success over the past few seasons has also entered the portal. Filipowski’s decision came as a bit of a shock, as he was viewed as a cornerstone of the team. However, with the potential for a high-impact opportunity elsewhere, Filipowski will be looking to make an immediate impact at his next stop. His departure leaves a significant hole in Duke’s frontcourt and raises questions about how the Blue Devils will replace his production.
3. Jaden Schutt – Schutt, a promising freshman guard, has decided to transfer in search of a more consistent role. Although he showed potential during his limited appearances, the highly competitive nature of Duke’s roster made it difficult for Schutt to secure a more prominent position within the rotation.
Who’s Staying:
On the flip side, Coach Scheyer and the Blue Devils also had some positive news in terms of retaining key players who are staying on the roster, ensuring that Duke will remain a force in the upcoming season:
1. Dereck Lively II – Lively, an incredibly skilled center who has drawn comparisons to some of the best shot-blockers in college basketball, has chosen to return to Duke for another season. His decision to stay is huge for the Blue Devils, as his presence in the paint and his ability to change games defensively will be critical as the team looks to remain a top contender in the ACC.
2. Jeremy Roach – Roach, one of the team’s most experienced players, has decided to stay in Durham for his senior season. As a leader on and off the court, Roach will be a key figure for the Blue Devils as they look to make another run at the ACC title. His leadership, defensive ability, and scoring acumen will be crucial for Duke as they try to stay at the top of the league.
3. Mark Mitchell – Mitchell, a forward known for his athleticism and versatility, has opted to return for another season with Duke. His decision ensures that the Blue Devils will have a solid wing presence, combining both defense and offense. Mitchell’s presence will be vital as Duke transitions into a new era under Coach Scheyer.
Looking Ahead:
With a mix of departures and retained talent, Coach Jon Scheyer is faced with the task of integrating new faces into the roster while keeping the team competitive. The Blue Devils still have an impressive recruiting class, and several new faces are expected to step in and contribute immediately.
Among the incoming recruits, the addition of five-star freshman Caleb Foster at point guard will be a crucial addition, potentially filling the void left by Proctor’s departure. Additionally, the team has bolstered its frontcourt with the arrival of top-tier forwards, such as Moussa Cissé from Memphis, who will help offset Filipowski’s exit and give Duke the size and athleticism needed to compete at the highest level.
As the transfer portal continues to shape college basketball, Duke remains an elite program with the potential to contend for championships, even amidst the changes. While the losses of Proctor, Filipowski, and Schutt will impact the Blue Devils, the core group of returning players, combined with an exciting new crop of talent, ensures that Duke will remain a force to be reckoned with in the 2025 season.
