The Duke Blue Devils men’s basketball program has kicked off the 2025-26 season with strong momentum, and for good reason. Under head coach Jon Scheyer and his staff, the Blue Devils are poised to contend for a national championship — but perhaps just as importantly, they’re setting up many of their players to become future NBA professionals.
Strong Coaching & Culture
Scheyer has inherited a program steeped in tradition, and he’s built a system that emphasizes preparation, versatility, and pro-readiness. The coaching staff has clearly positioned players to succeed individually and collectively. With returning contributors and a loaded freshman class, the roster is “well prepared and well coached,” and it shows on the floor.
Returning Talent + Fresh Faces
Duke didn’t just reload — they refreshed with purpose. The squad returns experienced players who know the rigors of college basketball, and blends them with freshmen who are NBA ready. The mix gives Duke the best of both worlds: leadership + youth-infused potential.
Among the returners is guard Isaiah Evans, who shot 41.6% from three as a freshman and now has a chance to step into a full-time role. Also returning is sophomore center Patrick Ngongba II, a 6’11″ big-man who flashes playmaking and finishing ability.
Then comes the freshmen class — and wow, what a class. At the forefront is Cameron Boozer (6’9”, 250 lbs), a prodigious talent widely projected to be a top-3 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Alongside him are promising newcomers such as Nikolas Khamenia (6’8”, sharpshooter wing) and international talent Dame Sarr (6’8”, Italian wing with defensive chops).
NBA-Ready Pipeline
Duke has long been a factory for NBA talent, and this season looks no different. According to ESPN, Duke currently leads all college programs in top-50 NBA prospects for the 2026 draft, with multiple players from this roster in the mix.
Cameron Boozer: Viewed as arguably the most college-ready freshman in the 2025 class, with size, strength, skill and basketball IQ.
Dame Sarr: A late arrival who still carries lottery-pick potential thanks to his blend of offense, athleticism and defensive skill.
Nikolas Khamenia: Although flying a bit under the radar, his combination of shooting, size and instincts gives him long-term pro appeal.
Returning players like Evans and Ngongba provide projection windows into the NBA. Their roles are expanding, and the opportunity is high.
Why This Works
Several reasons this Duke roster is especially likely to produce NBA players:
1. High-end talent entering together: A freshman core stacked with five-star recruits means top-level upside.
2. Coaching that sells pro skills: The focus isn’t just on winning in college — it’s preparing for the next level.
3. Immediate opportunity: With some NBA-bound departures previously, there is space for young players to step in, shine and elevate their draft stocks.
4. Balanced roster construction: The blend of returning players and freshmen means development can be prioritized without sacrificing competitiveness immediately.
The Path Forward
To realize their potential, these players must deliver — not just in flashes, but consistently. For Cameron Boozer, stepping into a major role right away means adapting to college physicality, refining his jumper, and dominating at both ends. For Sarr and Khamenia, it’s about seizing minutes, maximizing their strengths and showing readiness for the pro leap. For Evans and Ngongba, it’s about growth and production — translating opportunity into output.
For Duke to bring the national championship home, these pieces must align: coaching, experience, talent, hunger. But if they do, Duke not only competes for the title — it also further cements its role as one of the premier pipelines to the NBA.
