Blue Devil Country

Predictions Pile Up for Duke Basketball in Major Transfer Races

Duke basketball is now the outright frontrunner for a pair of forwards in the portal.

Matt Giles

Duke basketball mascot
Duke basketball mascot / Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
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Duke basketball head coach Jon Scheyer and his cohorts have five open scholarships for next season's roster in light of losing 10 players combined to the transfer portal and NBA Draft. Unsurprisingly, they've been active lately in pursuing experienced weapons.

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Their work might soon pay off to the tune of two formidable forwards in former Purdue veteran bruiser Mason Gillis and two-year Syracuse workhorse Maliq Brown.

On Friday afternoon, the Blue Devils received five 247Sports Crystal Ball picks in the span of an hour. Three are for Brown. Two are for Gillis. And they include one for each race from top national insider Travis Branham, whose predictions often arrive just days or even hours before players make their announcements.

However, it's worth noting that Gillis, a 6-foot-6, 225-pounder who averaged 6.5 points and 3.9 rebounds as a senior for the Boilermakers last season en route to their appearance in the national title game, has yet to take any visits. Plus, he has declared for the NBA Draft while maintaining his college eligibility.

As for Brown, who averaged 9.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists as a Syracuse sophomore, the 6-foot-8, 220-pound ACC All-Defensive Team selection traveled to Durham on Wednesday to check out the Duke basketball program for a few days. With that in mind, it wouldn't be a surprise if he commits to the Blue Devils as early as this weekend.

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

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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