Duke Basketball: 2022-23 season review after loss to Tennessee, offseason storylines

Duke’s 5-man incoming class may be the biggest going forward

Once again, it’s Duke and Kentucky battling for who has the No. 1 incoming recruiting class. Right now, the Blue Devils are just behind at No. 2, according to 247sportsComposite. Still, they have five players currently ranked in the top 20 overall, all given the prestigious “five-star” rating.

If there was a “star” of the group, it’s Mackenzie Mgbako. He’s a 6’8 combo forward from New Jersey that is a quality two-way prospect. He has the athletic skills and overall trails as a Mark Mitchell but much more polished on the offensive end and can take over as a leading scorer candidate.

Duke has two other true forwards coming in 6’8 Sean Stewart and TJ Power, a stretch forward similar to Flipowski. In the backcourt comes a pair of combo guards in Caleb Foster and Jared McClain. Foster is more of a pure scorer and can play off the ball, while McClain is a better shooter from the field and is a quality playmaker.

What’s interesting is that it might not be a guarantee that all of these guys even make it to campus. If too many players opt to return instead of go pro, the minutes might not be there and maybe one opts to reopen their recruitment and would instantly be a top available free agent. That’s something that Coach Scheyer has recognized, saying that he likely won’t have as large of recruiting classes going forward since the transfer portal will be part of the program’s plans.