After reaching the Elite Eight in this season’s NCAA Tournament, the Duke Blue Devils are looking toward the transfer portal for some help.
The Blue Devils battled the UConn Huskies in the Elite Eight, but eventually lost 73-72 in heartbreaking fashion as their impressive 35-3 season came to an end.
Duke Looks to Retool Through Transfer Portal
All eyes are on Duke head coach Jon Scheyer to see how he’ll retool using the transfer portal ahead of next season, especially after losing some key players to the portal.
Outgoing Duke Players
- Nikolas Khamenia (UConn)
- Darren Harris (Indiana)
Nikolas Khamenia and Darren Harris both opted to transfer, with the former transferring to UConn and the latter landing with Indiana.
Khamenia averaged 5.7 points and 3.3 rebounds per game last season, while Harris averaged 3.3 points per game.
Duke is also expected to lose Cameron Boozer to the 2026 NBA Draft, where he’s projected to be a top 3-to-5 pick after a stellar season. Boozer is the No. 3-ranked prospect in PFSN’s NBA Mock Draft Simulator and here is his NBA scouting report:
“Boozer lived up to every bit of his billing as one of the 2025 class’s elite recruits. At 6’9” with broad shoulders, excellent feel, and an advanced skill set, he combines old-school power with a modern forward’s versatility. The son of former NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer, Cameron scores efficiently from anywhere, whether facing up, backing down, or stretching the floor with a growing 3-point range.
“His poise and consistency stand out, giving him the look of a player ready to contribute immediately at the next level. Boozer thrives on fundamentals rather than flash, relying on touch, body control, and basketball IQ to dominate within the flow of a game. He’s comfortable facilitating from the post or attacking closeouts, reads defenses like a veteran, and controls the glass with positioning and strength. While not super bouncy, his mobility and anticipation make him a sturdy defender across multiple spots. Boozer projects as one of the safest and most well-rounded prospects in the 2026 NBA Draft.”
Incoming Duke Players
- Drew Scharnowski (Belmont)
On Sunday, Duke landed an addition in the transfer portal, securing the commitment of Drew Scharnowski from Belmont.
Last season, he averaged 10.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game.
“He’s different,” a college coach who faced Belmont told Field of 68’s Jeff Goodman. “He plays with a super-high motor, good versatility defensively. Good athlete who can switch multiple coverages. He’s a really good passer and can face up and play off the bounce. [As for his weaknesses], the biggest question for him is his perimeter shooting.”
In addition to landing Scharnowski, Scheyer and Co. got some good news recently when guard Cayden Boozer announced that he’ll be coming back to play for the Blue Devils in the 2026-27 college basketball season.
Duke guard Cayden Boozer will return to the Blue Devils next season, the school announced.https://t.co/SVhLg4A7hV pic.twitter.com/CWpj9OIw2m
— Joe Tipton (@JoeTipton) April 16, 2026
Cameron’s brother started in 11 of 38 total appearances for the Blue Devils, averaging 7.7 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in 22.8 minutes per game. He shot 50.0% from the floor and 30.3% from beyond the 3-point arc for Duke.
