Projecting Who’s Staying and Who’s Leaving from Duke After NCAA Tournament Loss
Jon Scheyer’s first season as head coach of the Duke Blue Devils ended with a loss to Tennessee in the second round of the 2023 men’s NCAA tournament.
And now, the team will retool its roster.
No fewer than six players—including three potential first-round NBA draft picks—are expected to leave Duke. Several more players will at least consider making the professional jump, too.
However, the ACC powerhouse has the nation’s second-best recruiting class on the way. The future, as usual, is bright.
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There is a scenario in which Duke needs to replace four key freshmen. Mark Mitchell has good reason to return, though.
The 19-year-old has provided some nice value as a complementary piece, but his offensive contributions are limited so far. While an NBA team may be willing to draft and develop him, it’s unlikely a franchise would select him before the second round of the 2023 draft.
Tyrese Proctor, who reclassified from the 2023 cycle to join the Blue Devils early, would also benefit from another season. Plus, given the perception that 2024 is a weaker cycle, he could rise to a first-round billing, which isn’t really a possibility this year.
Northwestern transfer Ryan Young is a fifth-year senior. However, he committed to Duke with the intention of playing out the remainder of his eligibility, which runs through next season.
Top reserve Jaylen Blakes and 2022 signees Jaden Schutt and Christian Reeves should be back, too.
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