Duke Basketball’s Incoming Talent Under the Microscope as Film Study Reveals Strengths and Potential of New Blue Devil Additions
As the countdown to the 2025-26 Duke basketball season continues, fans across the country are eagerly speculating about how the Blue Devils’ latest batch of talent will fit into Jon Scheyer’s vision. With a mix of highly-rated freshmen and key transfer additions, this year’s roster brings a new layer of intrigue. The departure of several veteran players to the NBA and the arrival of fresh faces mean the spotlight has shifted onto those who must now carry the torch inside Cameron Indoor Stadium. The Blue Zone breaks down the film to explore what each of the new arrivals brings to the table and how they could shape the season ahead.
The first name that jumps off the screen is five-star wing Khamani Dunbar, the highest-rated recruit in Duke’s 2025 class. A 6-foot-7 scoring threat from California, Dunbar has the kind of frame and athleticism that scream “one-and-done.” But what’s most exciting about his film isn’t just his highlight dunks or silky jump shot—it’s his ability to defend multiple positions and create offense in isolation. Dunbar displays fluid footwork, exceptional body control, and a level of polish that’s rare for a high school prospect. He’s comfortable shooting off the dribble, finishing through contact, and initiating fast breaks after grabbing defensive rebounds. On tape, his versatility stands out, and it’s easy to imagine him being plugged in as a starter from Day 1.
Another highly anticipated addition is point guard Zayden Harper, a four-star prospect with tremendous upside. Harper’s game is built around pace and control. On film, his poise immediately catches the eye—he doesn’t rush decisions, reads pick-and-rolls at a high level, and thrives as a facilitator. At 6-foot-2, he isn’t the most physically imposing guard, but his ball-handling and vision allow him to manipulate defenses and create scoring opportunities for others. His quick first step and ability to collapse the paint suggest he’ll be a key piece in Scheyer’s motion-heavy, spacing-centric system. Harper may not rack up eye-popping numbers right away, but his presence could stabilize the backcourt and allow Duke’s more aggressive wings to flourish.
Speaking of wings, another player worth watching is transfer addition Drexton Paul from Oklahoma State. A junior who averaged 12.3 points and 6.1 rebounds last season, Paul brings toughness and experience to a relatively young roster. Watching Paul on film reveals a player who thrives in gritty, high-stakes moments. He’s a rugged defender who excels in on-ball situations, often guarding the opposing team’s best perimeter scorer. Offensively, Paul is not flashy, but he’s efficient—he knows when to attack, when to pass, and how to play off the ball. His corner three is a reliable weapon, and he crashes the glass aggressively on both ends. Paul projects as a glue guy for this team, someone who may not lead in scoring but will help win games through effort and consistency.
Down low, Duke adds five-star center Elijah Rutherford, a 6-foot-10 prospect who brings a strong interior presence. Rutherford’s tape shows a player with excellent timing as a shot-blocker and solid footwork in the post. He runs the floor exceptionally well for his size and has a soft touch around the rim. While still developing offensively, his motor and rebounding prowess could make him a key contributor right away—especially on a team that will likely lean on defense early in the season. Rutherford also flashes an emerging face-up game, hitting mid-range jumpers and making smart high-post passes. His ceiling is high, and his effort level suggests he could follow in the footsteps of past Duke big men who made immediate impacts.
Another transfer to keep an eye on is versatile forward Theo Clarkson, who arrives from Michigan State. Clarkson is a stretch-four with a reliable three-point shot and above-average mobility for his position. On film, Clarkson’s spatial awareness and high basketball IQ stand out. He doesn’t need the ball to be effective, often cutting at the right moment or spacing to the corners when drives occur. His experience in a Big Ten system should ease his transition to the ACC. Defensively, Clarkson is not a rim protector, but he holds his own in switches and has quick hands for deflections. Duke fans may find him reminiscent of past role players who quietly contribute across all stat categories without demanding attention.
The backcourt is further bolstered by freshman combo guard Taj Jackson, a dynamic scorer from Georgia. Jackson’s film reveals a natural-born bucket-getter—he’s confident, explosive, and fearless. He excels in one-on-one situations, using his quick handle and hesitation moves to create separation. Jackson is particularly effective in transition, where his speed and finishing ability put pressure on defenders. While he can occasionally force shots, his upside is enormous, and his scoring punch will likely be crucial when Duke needs an offensive spark off the bench. If he can improve his shot selection and defensive focus, he may become one of the surprises of this recruiting class.
Rounding out the newcomers is international prospect Luka Vranjes, a 6-foot-9 forward from Serbia who adds an intriguing wrinkle to the frontcourt rotation. Vranjes’s film showcases a player with excellent footwork, a high skill level, and the ability to stretch the floor. He has a smooth jumper and sees the court well for a forward, often initiating offense from the top of the key or high post. While not overly athletic, he compensates with strong fundamentals and smart decision-making. Vranjes could become a valuable rotational piece, especially in games where spacing is at a premium and opposing defenses collapse on the lane.
In watching hours of film across various showcases, international tournaments, and AAU games, one theme emerges for Duke’s newcomers: versatility. Each player brings a specific strength, but what ties them together is their adaptability. Whether it’s a wing who can guard four positions, a big who can shoot, or a guard who can play both on and off the ball, the 2025-26 Blue Devils are being built for a modern, switch-heavy, pace-and-space style of basketball.
Jon Scheyer has made it clear through recruiting and transfer portal additions that Duke will continue to evolve. This isn’t the one-and-done machine of a decade ago, nor is it the purely development-focused squad of recent years. Instead, it’s a hybrid—one that blends youth with experience, star power with system players. The ability to plug in different lineups depending on the opponent will give Duke an edge as the season wears on, and many of these new faces will play pivotal roles in that strategy.
The question, of course, is chemistry. It’s one thing to have talent on paper or even on tape; it’s another to mold that into a cohesive unit. But early indicators from summer workouts suggest the incoming class has meshed well with returning veterans. The returning core—including players like Caleb Foster and Sean Stewart—will provide leadership, but the new blood will be essential in determining how far this team can go.
With non-conference play looming and marquee matchups set early in the season, these new additions won’t have long to adjust. But if their film is any indication, they’re more than ready to take on the challenge. Duke fans have every reason to be excited—not just about what these players can do individually, but about how they might come together to write the next chapter of Duke basketball.
And as always, the cameras will be rolling, the Blue Zone will be watching, and the nation will be waiting to see what unfolds when this new era of Blue Devils steps onto the court.
