Duke basketball just locked in the final piece of its 2026-27 roster puzzle, and fans have every reason to be excited. The Blue Devils added 7-foot Spanish center Joaquim Boumtje Boumtje this week, joining transfer standouts John Blackwell (Wisconsin) and Drew Scharnowski (Belmont), plus a star-studded incoming recruiting class. Together, they aim to bring Jon Scheyer his first national title—and Duke's sixth overall.
After a heartbreaking Elite Eight exit to UConn last season, the Blue Devils are reloading with a mix of veteran returners and fresh talent. Key holdovers like Cayden Boozer, Caleb Foster, Dame Sarr, and Patrick Ngongba will be crucial to the team's chemistry and depth. But as every coach knows, only five players can take the court for the opening tip. So, who gets the nod for Scheyer next season? Here's an updated projection.
Projected Starting Five:
Guard: Cayden Boozer – The sophomore guard averaged 7.7 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 3.0 assists last season, shooting an efficient 50% from the floor. With a year of experience under his belt, expect his court vision and scoring to take a leap.
Guard: John Blackwell – One of the top transfers in the portal, the 6-foot-4 former Badger brings serious firepower. As a junior, he averaged 19.1 points and 5.1 rebounds while shooting 43% from the field. He's a proven scorer who can take over games.
Forward: Dame Sarr – The freshman showed steady growth throughout last season, flashing the athleticism and skill that make him a future star. Look for him to build on that momentum as a more confident, polished player.
Forward: Cameron Williams – While Scharnowski could challenge for the starting power forward spot, buzz around the 5-star recruit suggests something special. Could Duke have another Freshman of the Year on its hands? Williams has that kind of potential.
Center: Patrick Ngongba – His decision to return for another season was a huge win for Duke. Ngongba anchors the paint with elite defense and a growing offensive game, giving the Blue Devils a reliable inside presence.
First off the bench: Caleb Foster, Drew Scharnowski, Sebastian Wilkins, Bryson Howard
With this mix of returning experience, high-impact transfers, and blue-chip recruits, Duke is shaping up to be a powerhouse. The countdown to tip-off begins now.