Who’s Going to Start for Duke? Breaking Down the Blue Devils’ Rotation Battle

Who’s Going to Start for Duke? Breaking Down the Blue Devils’ Rotation Battle

Every offseason in Durham brings excitement, speculation, and debate about one of the most important questions in college basketball: who will start for Duke? The 2025–26 season is no exception. The Blue Devils once again boast a loaded roster filled with star recruits, versatile returners, and role players ready to take a leap. But as always, the challenge is figuring out how all those pieces will fit together when the season tips off.

CBS’s Cameron Salerno recently offered his prediction for the starting five, slotting in:

• Caleb Foster
• Isaiah Evans
• Cameron Boozer
• Patrick Ngongba
• Dame Sarr

On paper, that’s a talented group with size, athleticism, and offensive firepower. But while some of those spots feel secure, others are very much up for grabs  and that’s what makes this Duke roster so fascinating.

The Locks: Boozer, Evans, and Ngongba

Three names are almost universally penciled into the starting lineup: Cameron Boozer, Isaiah Evans, and Patrick Ngongba.

• Cameron Boozer is as close to a guaranteed starter as you’ll find. The freshman phenom has exceeded even Duke’s lofty expectations in preseason workouts. He brings scoring versatility, rebounding, and a winning mentality. Boozer won’t just start; he’ll likely be a focal point of the entire offense.
• Isaiah Evans is another near-certainty. His size and shot-making ability on the wing are invaluable. Evans can defend multiple positions and stretch the floor, making him a perfect complement to Boozer’s inside-out game.
• Patrick Ngongba anchors the paint. The sophomore big man has the physicality to battle down low and the passing instincts to keep the offense flowing. His chemistry with Boozer could give Duke one of the most dangerous frontcourts in the ACC.

The Point Guard Question: Foster vs. Cayden Boozer

Here’s where things get interesting. Caleb Foster has looked terrific in practice, regaining his confidence and showing the spark that made him such a highly touted recruit. Reports say he’s attacking the lane, creating for teammates, and running the offense with poise.

But standing in his way is Cayden Boozer, Cameron’s twin brother, who is also pushing hard for the job. Having two capable point guards is a luxury Duke hasn’t had in recent years. Jon Scheyer has struggled to find a true floor general in his early coaching tenure, but now he might have two. The competition between Foster and Cayden Boozer will not only determine who starts but also raise the level of both players.

The Sarr Question: Starter or Super-Sub?

The other major debate is whether Dame Sarr fits better as a starter or as Duke’s sixth man. At 6’8” with a versatile skill set, he can handle the ball, defend, and score from multiple levels. Some compare his potential role to that of Mike Dunleavy Jr. during his freshman season  a Swiss-army-knife contributor who could plug in for multiple positions.

As a starter, Sarr brings balance to the lineup. But as a sixth man, he could be devastating against second units, giving Scheyer the flexibility to rotate lineups without losing offensive punch.

Other Names to Watch

This roster runs deep, and several players could push their way into the conversation:

• Maliq Brown – A rugged forward who will likely split minutes with Ngongba. His energy and defense could make him a starter depending on matchups.
• Darren Harris – One of the best shooters on the team. His development has impressed the staff, and spacing the floor is always valuable next to high-usage stars like Boozer.
• Nik Khamenia – A gifted passer who could unlock new wrinkles in Duke’s offense. His chemistry with Boozer and Ngongba could make him an under-the-radar starter candidate.
• Sebastian Wilkins – Reportedly ahead of schedule in his development. As a bruising, physical presence, he brings an edge Duke often benefits from.

A Good Problem to Have

While uncertainty about the lineup might cause stress for fans, it’s actually an ideal situation for Scheyer. Depth breeds competition, and competition makes everyone better. This roster is full of versatile players who can adapt to different roles, which gives Scheyer the ability to tailor lineups to opponents.

The likely outcome? Duke will experiment early in the season, shuffling the lineup until the chemistry solidifies. Boozer, Evans, and Ngongba are near-certainties. The backcourt spots, however, are going to be decided on the practice floor  and possibly evolve as the season unfolds.

Final Thought

Who starts for Duke in November may not be the same group that finishes games in February or March. That’s the beauty of this roster: there are multiple options, multiple lineups, and multiple ways to win. And in college basketball, where depth and adaptability often separate good teams from great ones, that’s exactly the kind of problem a program like Duke wants to have.

The Blue Devils have questions  but they also have more than enough answers.