Sad News for Jon Scheyer and Duke Blue Devils as Key Star Announces Plans to Enter NCAA Transfer Portal
The Duke Blue Devils received a significant blow as sophomore forward Maliq Brown announced his decision to enter the NCAA transfer portal. The departure of Brown, a rising star and one of the most versatile players on the roster, is a major setback for head coach Jon Scheyer and his team as they look to build on their success in the highly competitive ACC.
Brown’s decision comes at a difficult time for Duke, which was already facing key offseason questions, including the potential departure of other players to the NBA Draft or the transfer portal. Losing Brown is particularly painful because he provided a unique skill set that made him an invaluable asset to the Blue Devils.
Maliq Brown’s Impact at Duke
Maliq Brown emerged as a crucial piece of Duke’s rotation during the 2023-24 season, providing elite defensive versatility and a strong interior presence. Standing at 6-foot-9, Brown was a force on both ends of the floor, capable of guarding multiple positions, blocking shots, and finishing around the rim with efficiency. His relentless energy, rebounding ability, and defensive instincts made him one of the Blue Devils’ most dependable contributors.
While he may not have been the most prolific scorer, Brown’s contributions extended far beyond the box score. He was often tasked with defending the opposing team’s best frontcourt player, altering shots at the rim, and setting solid screens to create scoring opportunities for teammates. His ability to play within the flow of the game without demanding the ball was a key reason he fit so well in Duke’s system.
Why Brown’s Departure Hurts Duke
Losing Brown to the transfer portal is a major loss for the Blue Devils for several reasons. First, his defensive presence will be difficult to replace. Brown had the ability to guard both power forwards and centers, providing crucial rim protection while also holding his own on the perimeter. With his departure, Duke now faces a significant gap in its defensive rotation, especially if other key frontcourt players also decide to leave.
Second, Brown was expected to take on a larger role next season. With some of Duke’s veteran players possibly departing for the NBA or exhausting their eligibility, Brown was positioned to become a focal point of Scheyer’s plans moving forward. His improvement throughout his time at Duke suggested he was on track for a breakout season in 2024-25. Now, the Blue Devils will need to find answers elsewhere.
What’s Next for Duke?
Jon Scheyer and his staff will now have to pivot quickly to address Brown’s departure. Duke has traditionally been one of the top programs in the country in terms of recruiting and attracting talent from the transfer portal, but finding a player who brings the same defensive impact and versatility as Brown will be challenging.
The Blue Devils will likely explore options in the portal to fill the void left by Brown while also relying on incoming recruits to step up. However, given how impactful Brown was on defense, replacing his presence won’t be easy.
For Duke fans, Brown’s decision is a tough pill to swallow, but the Blue Devils will need to regroup and adjust their plans as they look ahead to the next season.
