Duke Basketball: Projected roster rotation and minutes for 2024-25 season

Small Forward

Projected starter: Isaiah Evans (21 mpg)

Bench: Kon Knueppel (15 mpg), Mason Gillis (4 mpg)

Duke loaded up in size, adding a couple of 5-star wing prospects that’ll get minutes in the rotation. One is Evans, a 6’6 small forward from Huntersville, North Carolina. He’s a natural two-way prospect with a great ceiling, known for his shot-creation and natural scoring ability. 

The other star wing to watch is Knueppel, a 6’5 freshman from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He’s viewed as one of the best natural shooters in the entire 2024 recruiting class, capable of being a lethal three-point threat. That’s an area that the Blue Devils have struggled with at times with their younger rosters so if Knueppel is as good as advertised, he’ll have a decent chance at even starting.

For now, Evans is viewed as the better all-around talent and with the current backcourt core all being 35+% shooters from deep, they aren’t desperate for that specific skill. But with both being true freshmen, it’s anyone’s guess as to who’ll emerge as a focal point in the rotation. Plus, Coach Jon Scheyer could also use three-guard lineups again.

Don’t be surprised to see if Gillis gets minutes at the three as well if Duke wanted to have supersized lineups as well since he also can spread the floor.