Andrew Pace
Duke University's basketball team, the Blue Devils, is one of the most prestigious college basketball programs in the country. Entering the 2024-25 season, Duke's head coach Jon Scheyer recruited 10 new players, including top prospects Cooper Flagg, Khaman Maluach, Isaiah Evans, and Kon Knueppel. The Blue Devils' primary starting five for the season featured graduate guard Sion James, junior guard Tyrese Proctor, freshman forward Cooper Flagg, and freshman center Khaman Maluach. This lineup helped the Blue Devils capture their second ACC Tournament title in three years under Scheyer's command.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Head Coach | Jon Scheyer |
| Starting 5 | Sion James, Tyrese Proctor, Cooper Flagg, Khaman Maluach, Maliq Brown |
| Jersey Numbers | 2, 5, 3, 7, 6, 7 |
| Positions | G, G, G/F, F, C, F |
| Academic Year | Gr, Jr, Fr, Fr, Jr, Fr |
| Height | 6'6", 6'5", 6'9", 6'7", 6'9", 6'6" |
| Weight | 220 lbs, 183 lbs, 205 lbs, 217 lbs, 222 lbs, 175 lbs |
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What You'll Learn
Duke Blue Devils' 2024-25 starting five
The Duke Blue Devils' 2024-25 season is highly anticipated, with a historic recruiting class that includes top-ranked players. While the starting five is yet to be confirmed, here is an early projection based on current information:
- Cooper Flagg: Flagg is the undisputed star of Duke's recruiting class. At 6-foot-9, his athleticism and talent are evident, having been named the Gatorade Boys Basketball Player of the Year. Flagg is expected to be a dominant force for the Blue Devils and is already generating buzz as a potential top pick in the 2025 NBA draft.
- Khaman Maluach: Maluach is another highly touted recruit joining the Blue Devils for the 2024-25 season. While specific details about his role are scarce, he is expected to be a key contributor alongside Flagg.
- Tyrese Proctor: Proctor, a sophomore guard, is projected to be a starter for the Blue Devils. He is described as a guaranteed starter if he chooses to return to the program. Proctor possesses impressive skills, averaging notable numbers in points and assists during his freshman season. His ability to handle the ball and shoot from beyond the arc make him a valuable asset.
- Sean Stewart: Stewart, a 6-foot-9 freshman, is in contention for one of the forward spots. He showed promise during his limited minutes, averaging solid numbers in points and rebounds. Stewart's performance against the Wolfpack, where he scored 12 points, highlights his potential to make a significant impact.
- Foster: Foster is projected to be the dominant ball-handler for the Blue Devils. Standing at 6-foot-5, he demonstrated his versatility during his freshman season, playing both guard positions. Foster's shooting ability is noteworthy, with a clip of 40.6% from beyond the arc. His skill set and performance in his debut season make him a strong candidate for a starting role.
It's important to note that these projections are subject to change, as the Blue Devils' roster may undergo further adjustments during the offseason. The potential return of players like Mark Mitchell and the addition of other recruits could impact the starting lineup. However, with a historic recruiting class and a deep roster, the Duke Blue Devils are poised to field a formidable team for the 2024-25 season.
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Jon Scheyer's third season as head coach
Jon Scheyer is entering his third season as head coach of Duke University's basketball team. He was named the 20th head coach in Duke's basketball history on June 4, 2021, succeeding the legendary Hall of Fame coach Mike Krzyzewski. Scheyer, a former Duke All-American and two-time team captain, has vast experience on the Duke bench, having served as a special assistant, assistant coach, and associate head coach before taking over as head coach in April 2022.
In his third season as head coach, Scheyer brings his most hyped team yet, fortified by the nation's No. 1 recruiting class. This includes top prospects such as Harris, Ngonba, and Sheffield. Duke has finished in the top three in ESPN.com's class recruiting rankings every season with Scheyer on the staff, including six times as the No. 1 class. Scheyer has helped mentor and develop numerous talented players, with a total of 30 Duke players drafted into the NBA during his time on the staff, including 23 first-round picks.
Scheyer's own playing career at Duke was illustrious, earning him accolades such as ACC All-Freshman Team selection and ACC Rookie of the Week three times during the 2006-07 season. He started all 33 Blue Devils games as a freshman and led all freshmen in the ACC with an impressive .846 free throw percentage. In subsequent seasons, he continued to excel, scoring 27 points at Miami and averaging 19.7 points and 2.5 assists per game as a point guard. He was widely hailed as one of the country's top sixth men and was named a team captain for the 2008-09 season.
As a coach, Scheyer has demonstrated his expertise and ability to lead. During his first two seasons as head coach, Duke finished with a record of 27-9, reaching the Elite Eight in his second season. Scheyer's impact is evident in the team's improvement, as they had previously flamed out in the second round of the NCAA Tournament during his debut campaign. With his extensive knowledge of the game and the Duke program, Scheyer is well-positioned to continue building on the team's successes in his third season as head coach.
Scheyer's contract extension in October 2023, which runs through the 2028-29 season, highlights the university's confidence in his leadership and ability to guide the team to victory. As one of the youngest head coaches in Division-I men's basketball, Scheyer has already made a significant impact and is poised to lead Duke to even greater heights in the upcoming season.
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Top prospects: Cooper Flagg and Khaman Maluach
Duke University's Blue Devils basketball team is one of the most prestigious in the NCAA, with a history of legendary coaches and players. For the 2024-25 season, the team has a new-look squad, with 10 new players joining the roster. Among these new additions, top prospects Cooper Flagg and Khaman Maluach stand out as potential stars.
Flagg, a freshman forward, is already generating buzz as a potential top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. At 6'9", he has the size and versatility to make an impact on both ends of the court. Flagg's defensive prowess is his standout attribute, but he is also a well-rounded player who can score and create opportunities for his teammates. Despite missing time due to an ankle injury, Flagg showcased his talent in the Round of 64 blowout win over Mount St. Mary's, earning his spot in the starting five.
Maluach, a freshman center, is another highly touted recruit for the Blue Devils. While specific details on Maluach's skills and physical attributes are scarce, his impact is evident in the team's success. Alongside Flagg, he helped the Blue Devils capture their second ACC Tournament title in three years. The duo's inclusion in the starting lineup contributed to the team's impressive 24-1 record for the season, with their lone loss coming against Clemson in February.
The Blue Devils' 2024-25 roster is the result of successful recruitment by head coach Jon Scheyer, who is entering his third season. Scheyer has managed to secure the nation's No. 1 recruiting class, with Flagg and Maluach being key additions. This influx of talent has elevated the team's potential, as evidenced by their high rankings in the AP preseason poll and coaches poll.
With their combination of size, skill, and defensive ability, Cooper Flagg and Khaman Maluach are poised to make a significant impact on Duke University's basketball program. Their presence, alongside other talented recruits and returning players, has created a buzz around the Blue Devils, who are now considered a dangerous force in college basketball.
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Tyrese Proctor: the team's most experienced player
Tyrese Proctor is a key member of Duke University's Blue Devils basketball team. The 18-year-old guard from Sydney, Australia, is one of the most experienced players on the team, having spent the last three years developing his skills at the NBA Global Academy, where he trained with some of the best international players in the world. Proctor's father, Roderick, played basketball at Mississippi College, so it's no surprise that the sport runs in the family.
Proctor's journey to Duke began when he gave up his final year of pre-college eligibility to enrol at the university. His talent was recognised early on, with reporters and scouts who watched him practice calling him a "revelation". He quickly developed a strong bond with his backcourt mate, junior captain Jeremy Roach, and the two have been picking up pointers from each other both on and off the court. Proctor's smooth transition to elite-level basketball is a testament to his dedication and skill.
As a player, Proctor has had some impressive performances. In his first career game, he scored 22 points with seven rebounds and four assists. He also had a career-high 24 points at Louisville, including four three-pointers. Against Virginia Tech, he had a season-high of five assists, with zero turnovers, while also scoring 13 points. Proctor's skills were on full display when he led the Blue Devils with 19 points in the ACC Tournament championship game, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
Proctor's impact on the team extends beyond his individual performances. He was named the fourth sophomore captain in Duke's basketball history, joining the likes of Tre Jones and Greg Paulus. This honour speaks to his leadership qualities and the respect he has earned from his teammates and coaches. Proctor's court vision and playmaking abilities make him a valuable asset to the team, and his ability to create scoring opportunities for himself and others has been instrumental in the Blue Devils' success.
Overall, Tyrese Proctor is a talented and experienced player who has quickly become an integral part of the Duke University Blue Devils basketball team. His skills, dedication, and leadership qualities have earned him the recognition of coaches, scouts, and teammates alike. As one of the most experienced players on the team, Proctor is expected to continue making significant contributions to the Blue Devils' success in the upcoming seasons.
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Duke's six-player 2024 recruiting class
Duke University's 2024 recruiting class for men's basketball is a highly touted group, ranked as the number one class in the nation by 247Sports. The class is highlighted by five-star recruit Khaman Maluach, a 7-foot-1 center from South Sudan who played at NBA Academy Africa. Maluach is joined by Cooper Flagg, who is one of the most hyped prospects in recent memory. Together, they form a frontcourt pairing that could be one of the top in the nation.
The Blue Devils' six-player 2024 recruiting class also includes wings Isaiah Evans and Kon Knueppel, who are both capable of scoring in a variety of ways. Additionally, Darren Harris, the 38th-ranked prospect in the class of 2024, is a knockdown shooter who will compete for playing time. Rounding out the class is Patrick Ngongba, a talented post player who is recovering from injuries and will likely be brought along slowly.
This group of six freshmen joins a Duke team that is coming off a 27-9 season, where they reached the Elite Eight under second-year head coach Jon Scheyer. Despite returning only two players who logged regular minutes last season, this highly-ranked recruiting class has many Duke fans excited for the 2024-25 season and the potential for a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.
With a mix of size, scoring ability, and defensive potential, Duke's 2024 recruiting class has the talent and depth to make an immediate impact. The addition of these six players to the Blue Devils' roster bolsters their frontcourt and wing depth, while also providing outside shooting and a strong inside presence. This well-rounded group has the potential to be one of the best recruiting classes in Duke's history and could make a significant contribution to the team's success in the upcoming season and beyond.
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Frequently asked questions
Duke's basketball starting 5 for the 2024-25 season includes graduate guard Sion James, junior guard Tyrese Proctor, freshman forward Cooper Flagg, and freshman center Khaman Maluach.
Jon Scheyer is the head coach of Duke's basketball team.
Tyrese Proctor is 6'6" tall and weighs 183 lbs.
Sion James weighs 220 lbs.
