The Duke basketball team is officially moving on without any of its starting five from last season

Khaman Maluach made his intentions clear just before Saturday’s deadline, declaring for the 2025 NBA Draft as expected for a projected lottery pick. Neither Maluach nor Duke’s social media made an announcement ahead of the decision, but the move aligns with his rising draft stock.

His declaration makes him the fourth player from Duke’s 2024–25 roster—and the third freshman from the Final Four team—to leave for the pros. He joins fellow one-and-done talents Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel, as well as junior Tyrese Proctor.

Maluach started every game for the Blue Devils this past season, averaging 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in just over 21 minutes per contest. He shot an efficient 71.2 percent from the field and 76.6 percent from the free-throw line.

With Maluach’s departure, head coach Jon Scheyer now faces the task of replacing all five starters from his third season in charge. The fifth starter, graduate transfer Sion James, used up his eligibility after one season in Durham.

Still, the Blue Devils will retain most of their bench contributors and are bolstering the roster with a trio of incoming five-star recruits.

Duke Basketball Staff Set to Visit Premier Forward Christian Collins

Duke Basketball Staff Set to Visit Premier Forward Christian Collins

The Duke basketball program is not slowing down when it comes to pursuing elite talent for the future — and their next big target could be one of the fastest-rising stars in the 2026 class.

Head coach Jon Scheyer and his staff are reportedly set to visit Christian Collins, a five-star forward out of St. John Bosco High School in California. Collins, who ranks No. 5 overall and the No. 1 power forward in the 247Sports 2026 Composite rankings, has quickly become one of the hottest names on the recruiting trail.

It’s no surprise that Duke is showing serious interest.

Collins, a teammate of fellow Blue Devil target Brandon McCoy Jr., has seen a meteoric rise over the past few months thanks to his rare athleticism and unique physical tools. Standing at 6-foot-8 with a long, wiry frame, Collins combines explosive quickness, elite agility, and court versatility — traits that make him an absolute nightmare for defenders and a dream for modern college coaches.

247Sports’ Adam Finkelstein praised Collins earlier this year, noting,

“A long and wiry forward who is on the way to becoming a jumbo wing, Collins’ court coverage, quick twitch and ability to bend and contort his frame are all very rare for a player his size… It’s possible that he could compete for the top spot before it’s all said and done.”

Currently, Collins holds more than a dozen scholarship offers, with powerhouse programs like Kansas, Alabama, Arizona, Southern Cal, Louisville, and Georgia Tech already in hot pursuit. However, a Duke offer could shift the momentum dramatically — and it’s clear that Scheyer and company are positioning themselves to make a strong move soon.

If Duke officially extends an offer during or after their upcoming visit, expect the Blue Devils to immediately become a major contender for Collins’ commitment. With his size, athleticism, and two-way potential, he fits the mold of the dynamic forwards that have thrived in Durham for decades.

Bottom line:
Jon Scheyer and the Duke basketball staff are once again aiming high — and Christian Collins could be the next blue-chip addition to a future powerhouse class.

Stay tuned. The 2026 recruiting battle is just getting started.