Duke Basketball’s Most Versatile Plug-And-Play Athletes Who Can Impact the Game Instantly Regardless of Situation or Opponent
When you think of Duke basketball, you immediately picture elite talent, championship expectations, and NBA-bound prospects. But beyond the high rankings and flashy mixtapes, the key to consistent success in a program as competitive as Duke lies in adaptability. It’s not always about the most talented player on the floor — it’s often about who can contribute right away, in any role, against any team. These are the plug-and-play athletes. The players who can be dropped into any lineup, in any moment, and make a difference. They don’t need plays called for them. They don’t need time to ramp up. They’re ready now.
For Duke head coach Jon Scheyer, who is heading into his third season at the helm, these types of players are invaluable. As he builds his roster with both veteran returners and one-and-done freshmen, he knows the season’s toughest battles are often won by the guys who can switch seamlessly between roles — those who can play off-ball or run the show, defend the post or the perimeter, space the floor or crash the glass.
So who are Duke’s best plug-and-play athletes heading into the 2025 season? Here’s a look at the versatile weapons Scheyer has at his disposal, players capable of making an immediate impact regardless of matchup or minutes.
The former Syracuse standout is the definition of a plug-and-play piece. Brown brings rebounding, defense, toughness, and relentless energy to the floor. He doesn’t require the ball to make an impact, which is crucial when sharing the floor with high-usage guards and scoring wings. Whether it’s starting a game, providing a spark off the bench, or closing in crunch time, Brown is the kind of player every coach trusts.
What makes Brown especially valuable is his ability to guard multiple positions. At 6-foot-8 with quick feet and high defensive IQ, he can switch onto wings, hold his own against bigger forwards, and trap ball-handlers in pick-and-rolls. He thrives in chaos — diving for loose balls, crashing the boards, and making the extra pass. He’s also one of the rare glue guys who doesn’t need rhythm to produce.
Foster’s freshman year came with flashes of brilliance, and now with another year under his belt, he’s primed to take on an even more flexible role. With Duke’s backcourt depth, Foster might not always be the primary ball-handler, but that doesn’t mean he won’t be on the floor in important moments. His ability to shift between point guard and shooting guard roles makes him incredibly valuable.
Foster is a steadying presence — a guy who can bring the ball up under pressure, hit a clutch three, or facilitate late-clock offense. He’s also a strong defender, with enough size to switch onto wings and enough foot speed to stay with quicker guards. If Scheyer needs someone to calm the game down, or speed it up, Foster is his guy. He fits in virtually every lineup combination.
McCain may be one of the most well-rounded offensive guards in the country. He’s not the most explosive athlete, but he plays with precision, control, and confidence. What makes McCain so plug-and-play is his offensive versatility. He can run pick-and-roll, score off screens, spot up from deep, and finish through contact. He’s a natural scorer, but his willingness to share the ball and defend makes him even more valuable.
On a Duke team loaded with scoring options, McCain can shift between roles seamlessly — sometimes a lead scorer, sometimes a secondary option, sometimes a decoy that spaces the floor. No matter the opponent or game flow, he can give Scheyer valuable minutes at either guard spot. His IQ and competitive spirit allow him to thrive in both structured sets and chaotic scrambles.
Isaiah Evans may be new to college basketball, but he’s already making a name for himself in summer workouts as one of the most consistent and relentless workers on the team. What makes Evans a plug-and-play threat isn’t just his scoring — it’s his size, motor, and defensive potential. At 6-foot-6, he can guard multiple positions, hit open shots, and create his own look late in the clock.
Evans brings a fearless mentality and doesn’t need much to get going. He plays well off others, cuts hard, and gets into transition with intent. His rebounding on the wing is also valuable, particularly in small-ball lineups where Duke needs to out-hustle bigger teams. Coaches trust freshmen who show up early, stay late, and defend — and Evans checks all three boxes.
Mitchell has been a model of consistency for Duke. A long, athletic, and switchable forward, he’s become one of the most trusted defenders on the roster. Offensively, Mitchell doesn’t dominate possessions, but he makes timely cuts, runs the floor, and hits open shots. His value lies in his ability to guard positions 2 through 4, allowing Duke to mix and match lineups with confidence.
He plays with a quiet toughness — always in the right spot, always doing the dirty work. Mitchell’s plug-and-play nature means he can start or come off the bench, play 10 minutes or 30, and still impact winning. Whether Scheyer needs defense, transition energy, or quiet leadership, Mitchell delivers.
Stewart may be one of the most athletic players in the country. His vertical explosiveness, timing, and instincts give him a unique presence in the paint. While still developing his offensive game, Stewart is already a high-level rim protector, lob threat, and rebounder. He doesn’t need the ball to affect games — and that makes him an easy piece to slot in wherever needed.
His defensive mobility also allows Duke to play more aggressively on the perimeter. Stewart can hedge screens, recover, and challenge shots without fouling. With more minutes this season, expect him to become a game-changer on defense and an energizer on offense.
The 7-foot-2 big man from South Sudan isn’t your typical freshman. Maluach comes in with international experience and a mature feel for the game. His shot-blocking, rebounding, and efficient finishing make him a perfect candidate to slide into games without disrupting the rhythm. In fact, he may be Duke’s best interior defender from Day 1.
Because he doesn’t need touches to be effective, Maluach fits well in a wide variety of lineups. He can anchor the defense, clean up the glass, and protect the rim without needing complex schemes built around him. That alone gives Scheyer a reliable option at center when other lineups falter.
Power is one of the more intriguing plug-and-play options because of his unique offensive skill set. A stretch-four with shooting touch and passing ability, Power can open the floor in a way few bigs can. He’s a mismatch waiting to happen — too quick for most power forwards and too strong for most small forwards. That versatility allows him to complement any frontcourt pairing.
Though not the most athletic player, Power makes up for it with IQ and feel. He understands spacing, cuts well without the ball, and makes quick decisions in the short roll. That makes him an ideal second-unit weapon or situational starter when Duke needs spacing and creativity.
The 2025 Duke Blue Devils are stacked with star talent, but it’s this deep rotation of plug-and-play athletes that could ultimately define their ceiling. These are the players who give Scheyer the flexibility to adapt on the fly, match up against any style, and absorb foul trouble or injury without missing a beat. More importantly, they bring stability and reliability to a team loaded with ambition.
In college basketball, where chemistry, matchup control, and depth often determine postseason success, having versatile, ready-now athletes is more than a luxury — it’s a necessity. Duke has them in abundance. Whether it’s a veteran like Mark Mitchell or a freshman like Isaiah Evans, Scheyer has the pieces. Now it’s about putting them together.
As the season approaches, don’t just focus on the stars — watch for the guys who do the little things, the ones who fit into every scenario and never seem out of place. Those are the true difference-makers. Those are Duke’s best plug-and-play athletes.
