Continuity and Chemistry Define Duke’s Projected Starting Five for 2024-25, With Only Two New Faces Expected to Start
As the 2024-25 college basketball season approaches, the Duke Blue Devils find themselves in a rare and promising position. Unlike many elite programs that annually overhaul their rosters through one-and-done freshmen or aggressive portal moves, Duke is poised to enter the season with a foundation built on returning talent and veteran presence. The projected starting five will feature only two newcomers, a testament to the team’s ability to retain core pieces and develop talent from within. This continuity, unusual in the modern era of college basketball, may prove to be the very thing that sets Duke apart from the competition.
Head coach Jon Scheyer, now firmly settled into the role after succeeding the legendary Mike Krzyzewski, has made it a point to strike a balance between recruiting elite high school talent and cultivating a culture of loyalty and internal development. His 2024 recruiting class still ranks among the nation’s best, but the real story is the players who chose to return. That decision by several key players has transformed Duke from a program retooling to one with legitimate national title aspirations.
At the core of Duke’s projected starting lineup are three familiar faces who bring experience, chemistry, and an intimate understanding of the program’s culture. These returning players are expected to set the tone not just in gameplay but in leadership, practice habits, and locker room chemistry. Their decision to forego the NBA Draft or the transfer portal speaks volumes about the program’s trajectory and their belief in what Scheyer is building.
Leading the charge is Caleb Foster, the dynamic guard who flashed moments of brilliance in his freshman season and is expected to step into a much larger role in year two. Foster’s ability to score from all three levels, combined with his improved court vision, makes him the clear choice to orchestrate Duke’s offense. As the point guard, he’s not only expected to run the offense but also set the pace and tone defensively. Foster spent the offseason working on his decision-making under pressure and adding strength to his frame, knowing he’ll be facing elite defenders night in and night out in ACC play.
Flanking him in the backcourt will likely be Tyrese Proctor, the Australian-born combo guard who elected to return for another season despite attracting significant NBA interest. Proctor’s smooth shooting stroke, defensive tenacity, and ability to play either guard spot make him a crucial piece of the puzzle. His maturity, both on and off the court, has already become a pillar in the locker room. With another summer under his belt to refine his mechanics and conditioning, Proctor is expected to be one of the most consistent performers on the roster.
Rounding out the returning trio in the starting lineup is forward Mark Mitchell. After testing the NBA waters, Mitchell decided to return and build on what he started in Durham. His versatility on the wing allows him to defend multiple positions while also contributing as a slasher, rebounder, and occasional stretch-four. He’s the kind of player who doesn’t always show up prominently on the stat sheet but whose impact is undeniable when watching film. His physicality, willingness to do the dirty work, and increased comfort in Scheyer’s system make him a coach’s dream and an indispensable component of Duke’s frontcourt.
But no top-tier college basketball team gets by on returnees alone. The two newcomers projected to crack the starting lineup bring unique skill sets and high ceilings that elevate Duke’s potential. The first is freshman Cooper Flagg, the crown jewel of Duke’s 2024 recruiting class and arguably the most heralded prospect since Zion Williamson. Flagg, a 6-foot-9 forward, possesses an NBA-ready skill set, combining elite athleticism, court awareness, and a relentless motor. His defensive instincts are particularly noteworthy — he’s a menace in passing lanes and an elite shot-blocker for his position. Offensively, he can initiate the break, knock down jumpers, and finish through contact. If he lives up to even a portion of the hype, Flagg could be a game-changer for Duke and one of the most electrifying players in college basketball.
Joining Flagg in the frontcourt is senior center Ryan Young, a veteran presence whose game isn’t flashy but is built on fundamentals, intelligence, and physicality. Young, who transferred from Northwestern before last season, has earned the respect of teammates and coaches for his consistency, toughness, and leadership. While he may not be the most athletic big man in the country, his ability to set screens, rebound, and defend without fouling will be crucial to Duke’s interior defense. His experience and unselfishness also provide a steadying influence, especially when younger players make mistakes or when games get tight.
The balance of returning stars and elite newcomers gives Duke a versatile and dynamic starting five that can adapt to various styles of play. They have shooting, defense, ball-handling, and depth — a rare combination even among blue-blood programs. The versatility within this group allows for lineup flexibility, as Scheyer can slide Proctor to the point or shift Mitchell to power forward depending on matchups. Flagg’s ability to guard multiple positions gives Duke the option of switching defensively on nearly every possession, a strategy that could prove pivotal against elite competition.
Beyond talent, what truly makes this projected lineup special is the cohesion and chemistry that is already in place. Having three returning starters gives Duke a head start in implementing systems, fostering trust, and navigating the adversity that inevitably comes over the course of a season. In contrast to programs that rely heavily on incoming freshmen to find their footing in real time, Duke will be able to lean on its veterans while slowly integrating its newcomers into the rhythm of ACC play.
Of course, having such a talented core also means intense competition in practice, which in turn raises the level of play. Duke’s bench will be deep, filled with top-tier recruits and transfer additions who could easily start at other programs. Players like Jared McCain and Sean Stewart may not be projected starters, but they are expected to play major minutes and will be vital to Duke’s success in March. The internal competition not only keeps starters sharp but also creates a next-man-up mentality that’s crucial during the long grind of the season.
The biggest challenge for Scheyer and his staff will be managing expectations. With a lineup like this, fans and media alike will expect Final Four appearances, ACC titles, and highlight-reel moments. But success in college basketball is rarely linear, and there will be growing pains — even for a team this talented. How the team responds to a midseason losing streak, a key injury, or a cold shooting night will reveal just how strong the foundation truly is.
In many ways, this projected starting five represents the evolution of modern college basketball. It blends the old-school approach of player development and multi-year commitments with the modern reality of recruiting elite talent and navigating roster movement. Scheyer’s approach, still in its early stages, is showing signs of maturity and strategic brilliance. By convincing stars to return and integrating freshmen into an already cohesive unit, he’s building something sustainable in Durham — something that could compete for national championships year after year.
For Duke fans, the 2024-25 season promises excitement, high-level basketball, and the possibility of cutting down nets in April. With only two newcomers in the projected starting five, the Blue Devils will enter the season with something few programs can claim — continuity. In an era of chaos and constant change, that stability could be Duke’s greatest advantage.
