The Transfer Portal isn't officially open yet, but the college basketball world is already buzzing with decisions that could shape the upcoming season. Duke's head coach, Jon Scheyer, is likely to be active in the portal, but his strategy hinges on key NBA Draft decisions looming over the next few weeks.
Cameron Boozer appears set to make the leap to the NBA, and while Isaiah Evans is also leaning that way, his decision isn't as clear-cut. The real question mark is sophomore center Patrick Ngongba. If Ngongba declares for the draft, Duke will face a significant gap in their frontcourt.
Ngongba is currently ranked as the No. 22 overall prospect by Tankathon, with projections placing him at No. 17 to the Oklahoma City Thunder in their latest mock draft. Given his draft stock and past injuries, it's likely he'll choose to enter the draft rather than risk another year in college.
Should Ngongba depart, Scheyer will need to be proactive in finding a replacement to pair with 5-star power forward Cameron Williams. One potential target is Georgia's Somto Cyril, who is reportedly entering the Transfer Portal.
Cyril led the SEC in blocked shots last season, averaging 2.2 per game in just 21 minutes per contest. His defensive prowess and athleticism make him an ideal candidate to fill Ngongba's shoes, providing a strong presence in the paint for Duke.
However, Cyril is expected to attract interest from multiple programs. Having once been committed to Kentucky under John Calipari, teams like Arkansas are also likely to pursue the talented Nigerian center.
Duke's defense was a standout last season, finishing in the Top 5 in KenPom's adjusted defensive efficiency. To maintain that elite status, securing Cyril as Ngongba's replacement could be crucial for Scheyer and the Blue Devils.