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Duke Basketball: Latest on 2023 NBA Draft decisions and transfer portal rumors

By Tristan Freeman

Jan 11, 2023; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer instructs forward Mark Mitchell (25) during the second half against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2023; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer instructs forward Mark Mitchell (25) during the second half against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Duke Basketball Tyrese Proctor John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

It’s been about two weeks since the start of the offseason for Duke Basketball after losing to Tennessee in the NCAA Tournament Round of 32. Although I’m sure that the team would rather still be playing, the staff at least can get started with what’ll be a ton of decisions made by everyone involved.

I’ve talked before about what the Blue Devils have going for them this offseason and already, and a few things have happened. Here’s a look at what’s going on with the program, along with some potential rumors.

Proctor and Mitchell stays/Whitehead goes

Some NBA Draft news has been sprinkling for Duke Basketball, with 3 of the 6 needed decisions being made. The most obvious one was with Dariq Whitehead, who opted to enter the draft. Despite all of the injuries, he’s still a projected first-round and could even end up in the lottery.

The other ones weren’t as clear. Tyrese Proctor, who reclassified to play this season for the Blue Devils, emerged late as a lead guard. He could’ve had a chance to be a 1st-rounder but instead is returning, which instantly gives the team a starting guard with All-ACC potential.

Mark Mitchell also is set to return after starting all 35 games for Duke. He’s another former five-star prospect that is a quality defender with a growing offense. A sophomore breakout campaign from him very well could happen and his elite athleticism and defensive versatility are something that can’t simply be replaced.

Duke now is waiting on three more decisions from its starters. Veteran guard Jeremy Roach isn’t a projected draft pick but could return, while Dereck Lively and leading scorer Kyle Filipowski are must-haves to bring back if the team wants to be a consensus preseason top-3 team for next season.

Otherwise, they could just go to the transfer portal.

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