In a bold and strategic move, Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer has tapped into the transfer portal to bolster his roster, acquiring Ifeanyi “Iffy” Ufochukwu, a 6-foot-11 junior center from Rice University. Ufochukwu’s playing time at Rice was limited, averaging just 3.3 minutes per game with modest statistics. However, Scheyer’s interest in Ufochukwu may stem from his potential defensive contributions, practice value, or character, aligning with Duke’s tradition of adding players who make valuable contributions off the court or in practice, such as past examples Justin Robinson and Spencer Hubbard.
This acquisition comes amid a significant roster overhaul for Duke, as the team has experienced a mass exodus of players to the transfer portal. Seven players, including key contributors like Jeremy Roach and Mark Mitchell, have left the program, with Scheyer alleging that all were contacted by other programs during the season, citing widespread tampering in college basketball.
Despite these challenges, Scheyer has secured commitments from top-tier recruits such as Cooper Flagg, the consensus No. 1 prospect, and the Boozer twins, Cameron and Cayden, both five-star talents. These additions bolster Duke’s roster as they aim to maintain their competitive edge in the ACC and on the national stage.
As Duke navigates this period of transition, the combination of strategic transfers and high-profile recruits positions the Blue Devils for a promising future, with Scheyer at the helm guiding the program through these changes.
