It is never too early to talk college basketball, especially around this region. The transfer portal has been bringing plenty of news for everyone, but that is also meaning that key prospects are returning to teams that should help in a big way next year. One team that has benefited from that has been Duke, as they will be returning multiple key players from last year's team, as well as a loaded recruiting class. All this equals… Duke will have its eyes on a championship run next season.
Key Returners:
Kyle Filipowski: 15.1ppg, 8.9rpg, 1.6apg, 1.3spt
Tyrese Proctor: 9.4ppg, 3.1rpg, 3.3apg
Mark Mitchell: 9.1ppg, 4.5rpg, 1.2apg
Jeremy Roach (Entered Name into NBA Draft, but eligible to return): 13.6ppg, 2.5rpg, 3.1apg, 0.9spg
If Roach ultimately decides to return, that means the Blue Devils will be returning their top four scorers from last year's team that finished 27-9; that is simply something that Duke has had in a few years and certainly not on a consistent basis due to the talent leaving for the NBA. If Roach doesn't return, Duke will still be returning star power with Filipowski, Proctor, Mitchell, and a few other key players. But the talent won't stop there… they are bringing a heavy recruiting class in as well.
Incoming Recruits:
5-Star Caleb Foster
5-Star Jared McCain
5-Star Sean Stewart
5-Star TJ Power
Foster has been a player we have been on for quite some time now, as he is a big-bodied point guard that has tremendous feel, reads the floor, can score and create, and plays at a terrific pace. McCain we recently saw at the John Wall Invitational, where he shows his ability to bring a balanced attack, scoring impact, rebounding, and toughness; he has a great natural feel with his game. Power brings size but also the ability to stretch the floor from outside, and Stewart is one of the top players in the country, as the 6'8 prospect will make his impact as a rebounder and scorer around the basket, as well as helping provide depth as a big.
This talent alone should have Duke fans excited, as this is a team that brings a ton of versatility, experience, and talent. The experience will be huge for this team early on, something the Blue Devils haven't always had to start the season; that will only help not to rely so much on the young prospects and allow them to develop and adjust.
Overall, looking at this roster… the Blue Devils are looking quite strong and should be an early Top-10 program, and some may consider the top team heading into the season. But no matter what, Duke has their eyes on the big prize early on.