Duke’s Scheyer Shifts Focus to Next Season Amid Player Departures

Durham, N.C. — As Duke University nears the conclusion of its basketball season, head coach Jon Scheyer is turning his attention to next year amid significant roster changes. The Blue Devils are focusing on their last two games of the season, but a major shift is anticipated as the team prepares to replace nearly all of its starting lineup.

By Tuesday, Scheyer and his coaching staff will begin strategizing for the 2024-25 season, which means looking to recruit new talent. The potential departures of five starters to professional careers — including top players who contributed significantly this season — are leaving critical gaps in the roster. Graduate student Jacob Grandison will also be out of eligibility, resulting in six of Duke’s top ten players not returning next year.

“This is an absolute blue blood recruitment,” said an insider familiar with the team’s recruitment strategy. “We’re on the edge of solidifying a solid roster for next season.”

One player drawing significant attention is Marcus Dent, the 2025 Mountain West Player of the Year. Since entering the transfer portal on Tuesday, Dent has engaged with numerous prestigious programs, including Duke, North Carolina, and Kansas. Reports indicate that at least ten schools have already confirmed contact with him.

The 6-foot-2 junior guard had an impressive season, averaging 20.6 points and 6.4 assists while shooting 49.0% from the field and 40.9% from beyond the arc, making him the No. 2 overall prospect in his class. His performance has garnered interest from top collegiate programs.

This weekend could be crucial for Dent’s recruitment decisions, which adds suspense for both his potential suitors and the programs aiming to bolster their rosters for the upcoming season.

As Scheyer prepares for this transition, the Blue Devils will remain focused on achieving success in their final games of the current season while simultaneously seeking new talent to continue their tradition of excellence.