Cooper Flagg’s NBA Leap Reshapes Duke’s Lineup

DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA: Jon Scheyer’s Duke basketball program faces a pivotal offseason as NBA Draft declarations, a top-ranked 2025 recruiting class, and transfer portal maneuvering reshape the roster. Key updates, first reported by CBS Sports, highlight Cooper Flagg’s expected departure, Shelton Henderson’s decommitment, and Duke’s pursuit of veteran transfers.

NBA Draft Exodus Reshapes Roster

Projected No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg (18.9 PPG, 10.1 RPG) and 7-foot center Khaman Maluach headline Duke’s NBA-bound talent, while guards Kon Knueppel (14.4 PPG, 40.6% 3PT) and Tyrese Proctor (12.7 PPG, 4.8 APG) have officially declared. Sophomore guard Caleb Foster (5.1 PPG) will return, providing backcourt stability.

Top-Ranked Recruits Step Into the Spotlight

Duke’s 2025 recruiting class, ranked No. 1 nationally, features:

• Cameron Boozer (PF | Miami, FL | 6’9” | 235 lbs)
  – 5-star, No. 3 overall – 247Sports
  – 2025 Gatorade National Player of Year (23.8 PPG, 12.1 RPG)
• Cayden Boozer (PG | Miami, FL | 6’3” | 190 lbs)
  – 4-star, No. 24 overall – 247Sports
• Nikolas Khamenia (SF | Los Angeles, CA | 6’8” | 210 lbs)
  – 5-star, No. 12 overall – On3

Transfer Portal Targets Take Priority

With Shelton Henderson’s decommitment (see below), Duke is prioritizing experienced transfers to fill gaps. Needs include:

• Backcourt Depth: High-volume scorers to replace Proctor/Knueppel.
• Frontcourt Muscle: Physical bigs to support sophomore Patrick Ngongba II (3.9 PPG).

Henderson’s Decommitment Alters Blue Devils’ Plans

Shelton Henderson (SF | Houston, TX | 6’6” | 220 lbs) reopened his recruitment on April 18, leaving Duke without its lone 2025 wing commit. The 5-star prospect, ranked No. 14 overall by Rivals150, is now considering Miami, Texas, and Texas Tech. Henderson’s decision accelerates Duke’s urgency in the portal.