**If These Practices Are Any Indication… Duke Might Have Its Most Complete Squad in Years**
No wasted talent. No awkward fits. Just vets, freshmen, and breakout stars meshing perfectly. Summer workouts are revealing a scary truth—this Duke team might be deeper than anyone’s ready for.
For years, Duke has been defined by its elite recruiting classes, often leaning on one-and-done stars to carry the load. But this season feels different. The 2024-25 roster isn’t just stacked with talent; it’s built with balance, experience, and versatility in a way we haven’t seen in Durham for a long time.
### **A Perfect Blend of Veterans and Newcomers**
The backbone of this team lies in its returning core. Jeremy Roach, the senior point guard, is back for what feels like his tenth year in college basketball (in the best way possible). His leadership, steady ball-handling, and clutch shot-making give Duke a floor general who won’t be rattled in big moments. Alongside him, Tyrese Proctor returns with a more polished offensive game, looking stronger and more confident as a scorer.
Then there’s Mark Mitchell, a matchup nightmare at forward. After flirting with the NBA Draft, Mitchell’s decision to return gives Duke a versatile defender and slasher who can guard multiple positions. His improvement as a shooter could be the X-factor that takes this team from good to elite.
But the veterans aren’t the only story. Duke’s freshman class—headlined by Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 recruit in the country—is as good as advertised. Flagg isn’t just a highlight-reel dunker; he’s a two-way force with an unreal basketball IQ for his age. Early reports from practice suggest he’s already making an impact defensively, blocking shots and disrupting passing lanes like a seasoned pro.
He’s not alone. Khaman Maluach, the 7’1” center from South Sudan, gives Duke a rim protector they haven’t had since Dereck Lively II. His ability to alter shots and run the floor in transition adds a new dimension to the defense. And then there’s Isaiah Evans, a smooth-scoring wing who can fill it up from deep, and Kon Knueppel, a sharpshooter with the size to play multiple positions.
### **No Weak Links, Just Seamless Chemistry**
What’s most striking about this team isn’t just the talent—it’s how well the pieces fit. In past years, Duke has sometimes struggled with overlapping skill sets or a lack of floor-spacing. Not this time.
– **Shooting?** Check. Between Proctor, Knueppel, Evans, and Jared McCain (if he returns), Duke has multiple snipers who can stretch defenses.
– **Playmaking?** Roach and Proctor can both run the offense, and Flagg has shown surprising passing ability for a forward.
– **Defensive versatility?** Mitchell, Flagg, and Maluach can switch, protect the rim, and guard multiple positions.
Even the bench looks dangerous. Sean Stewart, a former five-star recruit, could be in for a breakout year as an energy big. Jaylen Blakes provides tenacious perimeter defense. And if Caleb Foster returns, Duke adds another combo guard who can create his own shot.
### **Breakout Candidates Ready to Shine**
Every great Duke team has at least one player who takes a massive leap. This year, the prime candidates are:
– **Tyrese Proctor** – After a strong finish to last season, Proctor looks ready to take over as a true alpha scorer. His mid-range game is smoother, and he’s added strength to finish through contact.
– **Sean Stewart** – With more minutes available in the frontcourt, Stewart’s athleticism and motor could make him a double-double threat off the bench.
– **Jaden Schutt** – If he can lock in as a three-point specialist, Schutt could be the surprise floor-spacer this team needs.
### **A Defense That Could Be Elite**
Jon Scheyer has emphasized defense since taking over, and this might be his best unit yet. Flagg and Maluach are both elite shot-blockers. Mitchell can guard 1 through 4. Roach and Proctor are pesky on the perimeter. The length and athleticism across the roster means Duke can switch everything, disrupt passing lanes, and turn defense into easy offense.
### **The Biggest Question: Who’s the Go-To Scorer?**
The only potential concern? Duke doesn’t have a *clear* No. 1 option in crunch time—yet. Roach has hit big shots, Proctor is ascending, and Flagg could be that guy, but we won’t know until the lights are brightest. If one of them emerges as a true closer, this team becomes a title favorite.
### **Final Verdict: A National Championship-Caliber Roster**
If summer workouts are any indication, Duke isn’t just reloading—it’s building something special. The blend of experience, young talent, and defensive versatility makes this the most complete Blue Devils squad since the 2015 title team.
The ceiling? A Final Four run—maybe more. The floor? Even if injuries or growing pains hit, this team is too deep to fall short of the second weekend.
One thing’s for sure: the rest of college basketball should be on notice. Duke isn’t just back—it might be better than ever.
