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Basketball Roster 2025–26: Cooper Flagg Enters NBA Draft, Washington State’s Cedric Coward Transfers In
As the 2025–26 college basketball season approaches, the Duke Blue Devils find themselves at a pivotal crossroads. The departure of superstar freshman Cooper Flagg to the NBA Draft headlines a transformative offseason for the program, but the Blue Devils are not standing still. In a bold response, Duke has landed a highly coveted transfer in Washington State’s standout forward Cedric Coward, signaling that Jon Scheyer and company remain firmly committed to staying at the top of college basketball.
Cooper Flagg’s decision to enter the 2025 NBA Draft was expected—but that doesn’t soften the blow for Duke fans.
The 6-foot-9 phenom was the crown jewel of the 2024 recruiting class and delivered on the massive hype that surrounded his arrival in Durham. Flagg averaged 17.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 2.3 blocks per game while leading the Blue Devils to a deep NCAA Tournament run, falling just short of a Final Four berth.
Flagg’s impact went far beyond statistics. His motor, defensive versatility, and leadership as a freshman drew comparisons to NBA stars like Kevin Durant and Jayson Tatum. Flagg was a generational prospect, and Duke’s 2024–25 season revolved around his elite talent.
His departure leaves an enormous void—both emotionally and structurally. Flagg was not only Duke’s leading scorer and rim protector but also its spiritual leader. With his announcement to pursue a professional career, projected as a potential No. 1 overall pick, the Blue Devils must quickly recalibrate.
This isn’t the first time Duke has had to pivot after losing a one-and-done star. The program has a rich history of reloading rather than rebuilding. Zion Williamson, RJ Barrett, Paolo Banchero, and now Cooper Flagg—all delivered spectacular single seasons before heading to the NBA.
What sets the 2025–26 roster apart is its blend of veteran leadership, top-tier incoming talent, and a highly strategic approach to the transfer portal, which brings us to perhaps the most intriguing addition of the offseason: Cedric Coward.
In what many analysts are calling a “perfect portal pickup,” Duke has secured the services of Cedric Coward, a 6-foot-6 junior forward from Washington State. Coward was a breakout star in the Pac-12 last season, averaging 13.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, and shooting an impressive 41% from three-point range. His combination of size, athleticism, and shooting makes him an ideal fit for Duke’s modern style of play.
Coward entered college as a relatively unheralded prospect but quickly turned heads with his explosive athleticism and two-way potential. Over two years, he evolved into one of the most complete forwards on the West Coast.
Last season, he recorded seven double-doubles, consistently guarded the opponent’s top wing scorer, and delivered clutch buckets in key games, including a 25-point, 10-rebound performance in Washington State’s upset win over Arizona.
Duke’s staff was particularly impressed with Coward’s development curve. “He’s the kind of guy who doesn’t need the ball to impact the game,” said one assistant coach. “He’ll bring toughness, spacing, and maturity.”
Jon Scheyer’s offense thrives on spacing, ball movement, and multi-positional defenders. Coward checks all those boxes. He will likely slot in as a starting small forward or stretch-four, capable of switching defensively 2 through 4 and running the wing in transition.
His arrival softens the blow of losing Flagg while adding another dynamic scoring option and defender. Look for Coward to be a centerpiece of Duke’s revamped frontcourt, possibly paired with returning sophomore big man Sean Stewart or incoming freshman Liam McNeeley.
Despite the loss of Flagg, Duke retains a strong foundation. Several key contributors from last season have opted to return, giving the 2025–26 squad a valuable combination of experience and chemistry.
Australian-born Tyrese Proctor has announced he will return for his senior season, giving Duke an elite ball-handler and playmaker. Proctor averaged 12.5 points and 5.9 assists last year and is known for his poise in late-game situations. His decision to stay adds stability and leadership to a backcourt that will also feature incoming freshmen and potential breakout stars.
Caleb Foster’s emergence down the stretch last season has Duke fans excited. A former five-star recruit, Foster averaged 9.8 points and shot 39% from beyond the arc as a sophomore. He brings scoring punch and can play both on and off the ball, making him a strong candidate for a starting role in 2025–26.
With Flagg gone, Stewart’s development becomes critical. The 6-foot-9 forward showed flashes of brilliance last year, especially as a rebounder and weak-side shot blocker. With added muscle and experience, Stewart is poised for a breakout campaign.
Duke’s 2025 recruiting class may not have another Flagg, but it’s still packed with talent.
McNeeley, a versatile 6-foot-7 wing from Texas, is one of the most polished offensive players in the class. Known for his high basketball IQ and smooth shooting stroke, McNeeley will immediately compete for minutes at both forward spots. His ability to stretch the floor should complement Coward and Stewart well.
A dynamic shooting guard from North Carolina, Evans averaged over 30 points per game in his senior high school season. He brings a scoring mentality and a fearless attitude—something Duke will need in the post-Flagg era.
A top-50 recruit and rim-running big man, Ngongba will add depth and athleticism to the Blue Devils’ frontcourt. Though he may start off as a rotation player, he has long-term starter potential.
The staff has been linked to several other portal options, including:
- A backup point guard to complement Proctor and Foster
- A stretch-five to give lineup versatility
- Defensive-minded wings who can provide depth and matchup flexibility
Expect Duke to remain active throughout the summer as portal decisions finalize.
C – Sean Stewart (So.)
This lineup features a perfect balance of experience, skill, and athleticism. The depth behind it—including players like Evans, Ngongba, and possibly additional portal additions—makes this one of the more well-rounded rosters in the country.
Even with the loss of Cooper Flagg, Duke remains in the national championship conversation. The ACC is wide open, with traditional powers like North Carolina, Miami, and Virginia also retooling. Duke’s combination of veteran guards, elite wings, and strategic transfers positions them to be a top-10 team entering the season.
National analysts are already pegging Duke as a dark horse Final Four team—especially if Coward flourishes and Proctor takes another step forward.
Though his time in Durham lasted just one season, Flagg’s impact will be felt for years. He reinvigorated the program, gave Duke another iconic freshman moment, and proved that the Blue Devils can still land—and develop—the biggest names in basketball.
His draft stock remains sky-high, with multiple mock drafts projecting him as the No. 1 or No. 2 overall pick. Flagg’s humility, competitive spirit, and charisma also won over fans across the country, further enhancing Duke’s brand.
Duke’s 2025–26 season will be one of transition—but also of opportunity. The departure of Cooper Flagg is significant, yet not devastating. Jon Scheyer has built a roster designed to compete at the highest level, with veterans, freshmen, and transfers forming a cohesive, talented unit.
Cedric Coward’s arrival might be the most underrated storyline of the offseason, but come March, his two-way impact could be the glue that holds everything together.
As the countdown to tipoff begins, one thing is clear: Duke isn’t just surviving life after Cooper Flagg—it’s preparing to thrive.
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