NCAA Basketball: Preseason top 25 power rankings for 2022-23 season

It’s the first full year for head coach Jon Scheyer, replacing the legendary Coach K. But some things haven’t changed, including another No. 1 incoming freshmen class that includes a trio of top-5 overall prospects. One of them is Dariq Whitehead, a 6’7 small forward and talented two-way player that has the potential to be a top-5 NBA Draft pick. He had recent surgery for his foot and may not be 100% to start the season but will have an impact once he’s back.

The other two top-5 freshmen are ready to go in Dereck Lively and Kyle Filipowski. Lively is a 7’0 true center and a tremendous two-way option. He can protect the rim and already has a great offensive game. And Filipowski is incredibly skilled as a 6’11 forward and can stretch the floor out. And even if they may not be a great fit, five-star freshman forward Mark Mitchell is more than capable of filling it. Plus, Northwestern transfer Ryan Young, who averaged 9.0 ppg on 56% shooting from the field.

Speaking of filing in, look for Illinois transfer Jacob Grandison to have a sizeable role. The 6th-year transfer averaged 9.6 ppg and shot 41% from three-point range. He’s a 6’6 veteran guard that gives Duke a legit shooter in the backcourt. Also available are four-star freshmen Jaden Schutt and combo guard Tyrese Proctor, who recently reclassified to play this season.

The key to this Blue Devils’ roster will be returning point guard Jeremy Roach. He’s been in and out of the starting lineup over the past two years and has had inconsistencies but took a major step last March, making key baskets in wins over Texas Tech and Michigan State in the NCAA Tournament.

Without Wendell Moore to take the ball-handling duties from him, Roach will have to be the lead guard on a game-to-game basis. If he takes another step in his development, Duke will have Final Four chances once again.