Jon Scheyer Aims to Reload Duke’s Roster as Key Talent Returns for 2025-26

Head coach Jon Scheyer is wasting no time reloading the Duke Blue Devils after a few major departures threatened to shake up the program. Following a stellar 35-4 season, Duke saw stars Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, and Tyrese Proctor all declare for the 2025 NBA Draft.

But despite the talent drain, there’s reason for optimism in Durham. The Blue Devils didn’t lose a single player to the transfer portal ahead of Tuesday’s deadline—a huge win for Scheyer and his staff as they look to stay in national title contention.

Adding to the good news, Duke’s official social media confirmed on Wednesday that former five-star recruit Patrick Ngongba will return for his sophomore year. A key piece of Duke’s 2024 recruiting class—which also featured Flagg, Knueppel, Khaman Maluach, Isaiah Evans, and Darren Harris—Ngongba initially committed as the No. 6 center and No. 26 overall prospect in the nation, per 247Sports Composite.

Ngongba chose Duke over top-tier programs like Kentucky, UConn, Kansas, Indiana, and Notre Dame. Although he saw limited action as a freshman, averaging 10.6 minutes, 3.9 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game (via ESPN), his role is expected to expand significantly with Duke’s frontcourt now wide open.

He won’t be alone—fellow blue-chip classmates Isaiah Evans and Darren Harris are also set to return for Year Two. With a solid core staying in place, Scheyer has a strong foundation to work with as he eyes another deep NCAA Tournament run.

Sion James Reflects on a Memorable Season at Duke and Looks Ahead to the NBA Draft

Sion James Reflects on a Memorable Season at Duke and Looks Ahead to the NBA Draft

In a recent episode of The Brotherhood Podcast, Duke graduate guard Sion James sat down with host Caleb Foster to share insights from his impactful season with the Blue Devils and his aspirations for the future.

A Season to Remember

Reflecting on the year, James emphasized the unique bond among the team members. “I think it’s having a special group of players coming together,” he noted. “We hung out together all the time, we knew when to focus… most players in general don’t have that experience that we did.”

He fondly recalled moments spent in the dorms, engaging in lighthearted activities, and the unwavering support from the Duke community.

Road Victories and Memorable Games

When asked about his favorite road games, James highlighted the victory against North Carolina, describing it as a “special game.” He also mentioned the significant win over Boston College, emphasizing the team’s focus and execution during that matchup.

A light-hearted moment ensued when Foster reminded James of Cooper Flagg’s impressive performance during the Boston College game, leading to shared laughter and camaraderie between the teammates.

March Madness and Personal Growth

Discussing the NCAA Tournament, James expressed the exhilaration of playing in the Final Four, describing the experience as “magical.” He admitted to initial nerves during his first game, but his extensive college basketball experience—over 100 games—helped him regain composure.

James emphasized the importance of mental resilience, stating, “There were times when I felt I was soft and needed to make some shots or make some moves to put us back in the game… having that mentality of saying, ‘Woo, I messed up, I need to put my head back in the game.'”

Choosing Duke and Looking Ahead

When reflecting on his decision to join Duke, James shared that the choice came during a lunch at Juju, realizing it “wouldn’t be a bad idea actually.” He praised the developmental opportunities at Duke, stating that his time there exceeded expectations and fulfilled a lifelong dream.

As James prepares for the NBA Draft, his experiences at Duke have not only honed his skills on the court but also instilled a deep appreciation for teamwork, community, and personal growth.

For a more in-depth look at Sion James’s reflections and experiences, you can watch the full episode of The Brotherhood Podcast below: