As Duke Basketball approaches the 2025-26 season, one of the most fascinating storylines isn’t just about the elite freshmen or the returning veterans — it’s about which five names will stand on the court together when the ball tips off in Cameron Indoor. The Blue Devils’ starting lineup remains a mystery, and that mystery is building more excitement and speculation by the day.
Last season’s starting five made history when every single one of them went to the NBA. It was both a proud moment and a turning point — a complete roster reset that now opens the door for a new generation of stars to rise. For Jon Scheyer, this offseason has been about rebuilding from the ground up while keeping Duke in championship form.
Now, with training camp wrapping up and preseason scrimmages underway, fans are asking the big question: who will emerge as the new face of Duke Basketball?
A Completely New Roster — and a New Era
The Blue Devils lost nearly every key starter from last year’s Final Four squad. That level of turnover could crush most programs, but not Duke. In fact, it’s sparked a healthy competition across all five positions.
Returning names like Caleb Foster, Isaiah Evans, Maliq Brown, and Patrick Ngongba II bring leadership and experience, while high-profile newcomers — including Cameron Boozer, Dame Sarr, Nikolas Khamenia, and Ifeanyi Ufochukwu — have added a massive injection of talent and size.
The preseason buzz has been electric, but also uncertain. The general consensus is that Foster, Evans, and Boozer are near locks to start, while the other two positions — particularly the wing and the center spot — are still very much up for grabs.
Key Players to Watch in the Lineup Battle
Caleb Foster — The Floor General
Foster is the likely heartbeat of this team. Now in a leadership role, he’s expected to run the offense and set the tone defensively. His ability to score and distribute makes him the natural fit to control the tempo. Duke fans have been waiting to see him step fully into the spotlight, and this season should be his chance.
Isaiah Evans — The Scoring Wing
Evans has the tools to be one of Duke’s breakout stars. He’s a tall, smooth scorer who can light it up from deep and defend multiple positions. His versatility will be key for Scheyer, especially as Duke looks to balance inside power with outside shooting. If he finds his rhythm early, he could become one of the ACC’s most dangerous wings.
Cameron Boozer — The Star Freshman
Boozer has arrived in Durham with more hype than any Duke freshman since Zion Williamson. Strong, explosive, and polished, he’s ready to contribute immediately. At 6’9”, he brings rebounding, scoring touch, and a competitive fire that makes him look like the perfect fit for Duke’s frontcourt. Boozer is expected to start, and his presence could transform Duke’s offense overnight.
Patrick Ngongba II — The Anchorman
If healthy, Ngongba should be Duke’s starting center. He’s physical in the paint, a strong rebounder, and an underrated passer. His chemistry with Foster and Boozer has impressed coaches in camp. The question isn’t whether he fits — it’s whether he can stay healthy and consistent enough to anchor this team for a full season.
Dame Sarr & Nikolas Khamenia — The Wild Cards
Sarr’s international flair and Khamenia’s all-around skill set have made them instant fan favorites. Both bring shooting, athleticism, and energy off the bench, but either could sneak into the starting lineup depending on Scheyer’s matchups. Sarr’s quickness and creativity could make him a valuable piece against smaller, faster opponents, while Khamenia’s strength gives Duke flexibility on defense.
Why the Starting Five Is Still Unsettled
There are a few major reasons why Duke’s lineup is still undecided — and why fans shouldn’t panic about it.
Total roster turnover: Every position is up for grabs, giving every player a fair shot to prove themselves.
Depth and balance: Duke has one of the deepest benches in college basketball. Even the “second unit” could start for most Power Five teams.
Positional flexibility: Jon Scheyer loves to mix and match. Boozer can play the four or five, Evans can slide between the two and three, and Foster can share the backcourt with Sarr.
Injuries and conditioning: Some players are still working back into full rhythm after the summer grind, and preseason rotations are all about testing chemistry.
That uncertainty isn’t a weakness — it’s a luxury. It means Scheyer has multiple combinations to use depending on the opponent and situation.
Early Preseason Clues
At Duke’s annual Countdown to Craziness, fans got a glimpse of what the rotation might look like. The veterans dominated, but the freshmen held their own. Foster looked sharp running the offense, Evans was smooth from the perimeter, and Boozer showed why he’s the most anticipated recruit in years.
Ngongba looked healthy, controlling the paint on both ends, while Sarr and Khamenia showed flashes of brilliance that hint at their long-term potential. It’s still early, but that scrimmage only deepened the intrigue — because almost everyone looked ready to start.
Possible Starting Lineups
Here are a few realistic scenarios for Duke’s starting five:
Scenario Lineup Strengths Concerns
Balanced Core Foster – Evans – Sarr – Boozer – Ngongba Experience + Fresh Talent Chemistry still forming
Small-Ball Attack Foster – Evans – Khamenia – Boozer – Ngongba Speed and spacing Interior defense weaker
Defensive Focus Foster – Evans – Sarr – Boozer – Ufochukwu Size and rim protection Limited outside shooting
Each lineup brings a different identity — and that’s exactly what makes this season so exciting.
What’s at Stake
This lineup battle is about more than just who starts on opening night. It will shape the entire season.
For Duke, the starters will define the team’s identity — fast-paced or deliberate, offensive-minded or defensive-heavy. For the players, it’s about carving out roles, building chemistry, and proving they can carry on the program’s legendary standard.
And for Jon Scheyer, this is perhaps his biggest coaching challenge yet: blending youth, experience, and sky-high expectations into a roster capable of another Final Four run.
Final Word
The mystery surrounding Duke’s starting five isn’t something to stress about — it’s something to celebrate. It’s proof that the program’s talent pool runs deep, and that competition remains fierce inside Cameron Indoor.
When the season tips off, expect names like Caleb Foster, Isaiah Evans, Cameron Boozer, and Patrick Ngongba II to be in the mix. The fifth spot? That’s where the intrigue lies — and it might change throughout the season.
Either way, one thing is certain: Duke Basketball’s next chapter is loaded with promise, power, and passion. And as this new lineup forms, fans everywhere can feel it — another special season is on the horizon in Durham.
