So far, Duquesne Basketball has landed two transfers this offseason. They got center transfer John Hugley (Xavier) and former South Florida guard Jimmie Williams. The addition of class of 2025 forward Fredrik Jellum gives the Dukes 10 scholarship players for next season.
Still, look for the Dukes to add a few more places to the 2025-26 roster. But what are the most significant needs for the roster? Here’s a little power ranking of what the Dukes need to round out their roster.
3. Backup centers
Yes, landing Hugley is a big deal because he gives the Dukes an actual interior presence who can score the ball inside. Plus, David Dixon is one of the top interior defenders in the Atlantic 10. Yes, the ideal scenario is that Hugley and Dixon combine for 40 mpg at the five-spot. However, between injuries and Dixon’s past foul issues, Duquesne is the one team that could use one more capable big man, just in case.
2. Combo forward
With Jahsean Corbett and Matus Hronsky gone, the forward position is currently held up by Jakub Necas and Alex Williams, the transfer forward from Furman who missed all of last season with a foot injury. Necas is versatile enough to play multiple positions, but the key is the four-spot, with Williams still unproven at the A-10 level. Another forward, preferably one who can stretch the floor, would be ideal for Duquesne.
1. Point guard
Both ball-handlers from last season (Tre Dinkins and Kareem Rozier) transferred out, leaving guards Brandon Hall and Dom Aekins as the only capable point guards on the roster. Neither are proven, while Williams from South Florida is more of a combo guard. The Dukes should be looking for a lead guard who can shoot the ball and run an offense. Will they be as good as a Jimmy Clark? Maybe not. But right now, that’s the missing piece from the current roster that can turn them into a potential A-10 contender.