Strategic Recruiting: Building a Freshman Core
Understanding the transformative potential of Flagg, Scheyer prioritized assembling a freshman class that could immediately contribute at a high level. This approach led to the signing of five of ESPN’s top 50 recruits in the 2024 class:arrobajuarez.comespntoday.com+1ESPN.com+1
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Khaman Maluach: A 7’2″ center from South Sudan, Maluach brought a dominant presence in the paint, excelling in offensive rebounding and shot-blocking. His remarkable field goal percentage of 74% underscored his efficiency near the basket. Liberty Ballers+5Houston Chronicle+5Reuters+5
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Kon Knueppel: A sharpshooting guard from Wisconsin, Knueppel emerged as the team’s second-leading scorer, providing a reliable threat from beyond the arc. arrobajuarez.com+4espntoday.com+4ESPN.com+4
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Isaiah Evans: Despite fluctuating minutes, Evans showcased his scoring ability with an average of 17.3 points over a four-game stretch between February 17 and March 1, 2025. ESPN.com+1espntoday.com+1
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Patrick Ngongba: Contributed valuable minutes, especially during periods when other key players were sidelined due to injuries.
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Darren Harris: Another integral part of the freshman cohort, Harris added depth and versatility to the roster.
This infusion of young talent was instrumental in compensating for the departure of key players from the previous season, including Kyle Filipowski and Jared McCain, who left early for the NBA draft. arrobajuarez.com+2ESPN.com+2espntoday.com+2
Leveraging the Transfer Portal: Adding Experience and Toughness
While the focus was on youth, Scheyer recognized the necessity of integrating experienced players to provide leadership and resilience. The transfer portal was utilized strategically to acquire athletes who embodied mental and physical toughness, aligning with the team’s needs. This approach ensured that the roster was not only talented but also balanced with a mix of youthful energy and seasoned experience. ESPN.com+3espntoday.com+3ESPN.com+3
Financial Backing: The Role of One Vision Futures Fund
Behind the scenes, Duke’s success was bolstered by the One Vision Futures Fund (OVFF), a nonprofit Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) collective founded in 2023 by alumni Jeff Fox, Dan Levitan, and Steve Duncker. Operating discreetly, OVFF provided financial support to the team, ensuring that contributions directly benefited the athletes without public fanfare. This model reflected a commitment to maintaining player privacy and aligning with the university’s values. WSJ
On-Court Success: Execution and Cohesion
The meticulously constructed roster translated into on-court success, with the team executing plays efficiently and demonstrating exceptional cohesion. Opponents and analysts alike noted the team’s connectedness and ability to capitalize on opponents’ mistakes, a testament to the thoughtful assembly of complementary talents around Flagg. espntoday.com+1ESPN.com+1
Duke’s approach to building a roster around Cooper Flagg exemplifies a strategic fusion of elite recruiting, judicious use of the transfer portal, and financial support through innovative NIL initiatives. This comprehensive strategy not only maximized Flagg’s impact but also positioned the Blue Devils as formidable contenders in college basketball. The emphasis on assembling a team with the right blend of talent, experience, and toughness underscores the importance of holistic roster construction in achieving sustained success.