In a college basketball landscape increasingly dominated by player movement, the Duke Blue Devils have managed to stand out—not by who they’ve added, but by who they’ve kept. As of late April, Duke is one of just three men’s college basketball programs that has not seen a single scholarship player enter the transfer portal. In an era when roster turnover is the norm, that kind of stability is not just rare—it’s remarkable.
The NCAA transfer portal has become one of the most powerful forces in college sports, offering players unprecedented freedom and flexibility. It’s now common for programs to lose half their roster in a single offseason, especially following coaching changes or disappointing seasons. Even blue bloods aren’t immune. Programs with national titles, NBA pipelines, and Hall of Fame coaches have all watched as key contributors departed in search of greener pastures. But Duke, for now, has managed to buck that trend.
A number of factors contribute to this unusual feat. For starters, the program’s culture—established under former coach Mike Krzyzewski and carried forward by Jon Scheyer—remains one of accountability, support, and trust. Scheyer has emphasized building deep relationships with his players, and it seems to be paying off. The players who commit to Duke aren’t just coming for the brand; they’re coming for a shared vision.
Another key factor is clarity. Scheyer and his staff have been proactive about defining roles, discussing NBA futures, and outlining developmental paths with their players. That kind of communication can make the difference between a player feeling valued or overlooked. It also helps when the staff is open about what the roster will look like—who’s staying, who’s going, and how minutes might shake out.
Duke’s 2024-25 roster is shaping up to be one of the most talent-rich in the country, with a mix of returning veterans and a top-ranked incoming freshman class. Kyle Filipowski
