Duke basketball continues to assert its dominance in the transfer portal by emerging as a finalist for several high-profile West Coast talents, signaling head coach Jon Scheyer’s commitment to reinforcing the Blue Devils’ roster for the upcoming season.
One notable target is Cedric Coward, a standout guard from Washington State. Coward, who averaged 17.7 points and 7.0 rebounds per game, has narrowed his choices to Duke, Alabama, Florida, Kansas, and Washington citeturn0news12. His scoring prowess and versatility make him a coveted asset for any program.
In addition, Duke has shown interest in Lamont Butler, a seasoned point guard from San Diego State. Butler, renowned for his defensive capabilities and leadership, played a pivotal role in guiding the Aztecs to the national championship game in the 2022–2023 season. His experience and defensive acumen could provide a significant boost to Duke’s backcourt citeturn0search6.
The Blue Devils are also in contention for Koby Brea, a sharpshooting wing from Dayton. Brea’s exceptional three-point shooting, with a nearly 50% success rate on over six attempts per game last season, has attracted attention from several top programs, including Duke citeturn0search8. His ability to stretch the floor could complement Duke’s offensive schemes effectively.
These potential additions come at a crucial time, as Duke has experienced significant roster changes. Key departures include Jeremy Roach to Baylor, Jaylen Blakes to Stanford, and Mark Mitchell to Kansas State citeturn0news16. To counterbalance these losses, Duke has already secured commitments from transfers like Sion James from Tulane, who brings a wealth of experience and versatility to the team citeturn0search5.
With a blend of promising freshmen and seasoned transfers, Duke aims to construct a formidable lineup capable of contending at the highest level. The pursuit of top-tier West Coast talent underscores the program’s strategic approach to maintaining its competitive edge in collegiate basketball.