Duke Basketball Staff Eyes One Lockdown Defender in Transfer Portal

With key Duke basketball roster decisions still to come, it appears the Blue Devils may be looking for reinforcements in the backcourt.

Duke basketball transfer target Roddy Gayle Jr. / Barbara J. Perenic/Columbus Dispatch /

After having one of their most talented guard groupings in recent history, a lot is up in the air in terms of the Duke basketball backcourt moving forward.

Senior captain Jeremy Roach has played four seasons in Durham but still has a final year of eligibility should he choose to use it. Sophomore Tyrese Proctor could potentially return after a somewhat down sophomore season. Meanwhile, freshmen Jared McCain and Caleb Foster each have decisions of their own.

RELATED: Another Duke Player Ditches Blue Devil for Transfer Portal

Despite the potential question marks, it seems that head coach Jon Scheyer and the rest of the Duke basketball staff are looking to beef up the backcourt for the 2024-25 season.

On Wednesday, CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein reported that former Ohio State guard Roddy Gayle Jr. listed the Blue Devils among those who have been in contact with him.

The 6-foot-4, 210-pound sophomore spent the past two seasons with the Buckeyes, playing just over 15 minutes per game his freshman season before becoming a full-time starter this past year. He averaged 13.5 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.1 assists as a sophomore while playing 30.9 minutes per game for the scarlet and gray.

Known as a slasher and fantastic on-ball defender from his time in Columbus, Gayle often drew the top defensive matchup for the Buckeyes. His outside shooting remains a question, shooting just 28.4 percent from downtown this past season after shooting 42.9 percent the season before.

Gayle Jr. ONCE MORE! 💥 @roddy_gayle x @OhioStateHoops pic.twitter.com/JFvW5vQTst

— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) March 10, 2023

In addition to the Blue Devils, Gayle told Rothstein he has heard from a collection of other high-major programs, including Alabama, Clemson, Creighton, Gonzaga, Oregon, Syracuse, and Tennessee, with visits already in the works with both Georgia and Michigan.

The 20-year-old could be a key addition for the Duke basketball program, where his stellar defensive abilities would be valued by Scheyer and his crew.

If Duke’s interest in Gayle remains, it will be interesting to see if the former Buckeye schedules a visit with the Blue Devils.

Stay tuned to Blue Devil Country on SI for more Duke basketball news.