After several frontcourt departures from the 2024-2025 squad, the Blue Devils’ addition of Ifeanyi Ufochukwu immediately bolsters their big-man depth. The graduate transfer is fresh off a redshirt year at Rice, where he logged 25 appearances across the prior two seasons.
Ufochukwu’s box score numbers don’t jump off the screen — the center holds career per-game averages of 2.0 points and 1.2 rebounds — yet they belie what he brings to Duke. Beyond offering a veteran voice in the locker room, the Covenant Day School product has displayed flashes of upside that head coach Jon Scheyer hasn’t always had from less-touted players.
To start, the Benin City, Nigeria, native is a true high-level athlete. Standing at 6-foot-11 and weighing in at 240 pounds, the former Owl fulfills Scheyer’s desire for a third center backing up Patrick Ngongba II and Maliq Brown. And like these new teammates, Ufochukwu possesses mobility and lateral quickness that stand out at his size. His film confirms just as much.
As the big man is drawn out to perimeter to guard a potential high pick-and-roll, the opposing ball handler rejects the screen and drives to the basket, clearing his man for an open shot right at the rim. Ufochukwu, seeing the play the entire way through, sprints from the top of the key to emphatically swat the layup attempt.
Against Pepperdine, Ufochukwu again defends at the 3-point line, switching assignments back and forth with ease. When there’s a seeming miscommunication between Rice players, the center cleans up the mistake with another block in the paint.
On the other end of the floor, the new Blue Devil is still coming into his own; heavy reliance on overpowering defenders with size and athleticism makes him a raw product offensively. Despite this week point, Ufochukwu showcased some developing footwork and scoring in the post in a contest with University of Texas-Martin.
In the pick-and-roll, the big man’s mobility will pay dividends, allowing him to slip screens and free himself for high-percentage looks under the basket.
Ufochukwu’s lack of polish and past production will likely prevent him from seeing the court often — especially as he adjusts to a Power Five conference. But his presence gives Duke much-needed injury insurance behind Ngongba and Brown, both of whom battled injuries in the past year, and the transfer’s combination of size, quickness and fluidity will be a legitimate asset for Scheyer to use in the upcoming season
