The Duke Blue Devils entered last season as the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament, a testament to a roster that combined elite defensive metrics with a potent, if inconsistent, offense.
Ranked third nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency and sixth in offensive efficiency, the team posted a 34.7% three‑point shooting clip that placed them 132nd in the country, highlighting a clear area for improvement.
Coach Jon Scheyer, now in his second full year, has built his reputation on top‑20 defensive units, and he believes the returning core can translate that identity into better shooting and turnover creation.
A Look at Key Returning Players
Veteran guard John Blackwell, a career 37% shooter from deep, will anchor the backcourt alongside sophomore wing Caleb Foster, who shot 39.8% on 3.0 attempts per game last season.
Freshman sensations Dame Sarr, a 6‑8 Italian wing celebrated for his outside shooting, and big man Bryson Howard add depth, while big men Patrick Ngongba, Drew Scharnowski and Joaquim Boumtje Boumtje provide rim protection.
Defensive Outlook and Turnover Goals
Defensive standouts such as Ngongba and Deron Rippey Jr. are expected to increase the team's steal and block rates, aiming to lift the current 17.3% defensive turnover percentage into the top tier of the ACC.
KenPom’s experience metric ranked Duke 312th nationally, suggesting a relatively young squad, but the blend of returning starters and high‑profile recruits could shift that narrative.
With a schedule that includes marquee matchups in Washington, DC, and across North Carolina, the Blue Devils hope to translate their improved shooting and defensive pressure into a deeper tournament run.