After a heartbreaking loss in the NCAA Tournament, Jon Scheyer and the Duke Blue Devils are plotting their next moves to get back into contention next season.
Duke is losing Cameron Boozer as a projected top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, and Scheyer will have to figure out a way to replace him this offseason.
Having already missed out on reported target Flory Bidunga to Louisville, let’s look at three players Duke should consider pursuing in the transfer portal.
Allen Graves
Replacing Boozer is a tall order, but another standout could be the perfect replacement. After a breakout year with Santa Clara, Allen Graves is attracting plenty of interest in the portal.
Duke should be heading the queue for Graves, who contributed immensely to winning plays for the Broncos this season. Averaging 11.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.9 steals, and 1.8 assists per game, the 19-year-old showcased great maturity and composure all season long.
Boozer’s versatility was a key reason for Duke’s success this year. And Graves is in a similar mold with strong off-ball skills, sharp defense, and high basketball IQ.
John Blackwell
Thought to be one of the names on Duke’s radar, John Blackwell is coming off an impressive junior year with the Wisconsin Badgers. The Michigan native averaged 19.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.1 steals per game, leading the Badgers to a respectable 24-11 season.
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Blackwell is a special talent who would add much-needed experience to Duke’s backcourt, which is set to feature highly rated point guard Deron Rippey Jr. next season following Isaiah Evans’ likely exit to the NBA.
After a disappointing collapse against UConn in the Elite Eight, the Blue Devils could use some stability and experience in their backcourt. And Blackwell, who shot 43% from the field and 38.9% from the 3-point line, would serve as a blockbuster signing who could lead the team next season.
Aiden Sherrell
Another area where Duke may look to bolster its roster is the center position, given the uncertainty surrounding the future of Patrick Ngongba II.
After an impressive sophomore year, Ngongba could look to declare for the NBA Draft. Duke may need a new starting center, which is where someone like Aiden Sherrell could come in.
Indiana is currently the favorite to land the center, who will be going into his junior year next season. But Duke remains in the hunt and will be hoping to convince him to join after missing out on Bidunga.
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Sherrell could serve as the stretch-five for Duke, forming an explosive and versatile frontcourt with new recruit Cameron Williams. He averaged 11.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game for Alabama this season while shooting 33.8% from three.
Defense remains an area of concern for Sherrell, but he has taken big strides in improving that aspect of his game. And playing under Scheyer, he can further improve on that end of the court.
