To return to the NCAA tournament, a team needs contributions from both returning players and new arrivals. Here's a look at Duke and its chances of dancing again in 2016.
Quick references:
Possible 2015-16 starting five
G: Tyus Jones
G: Matt Jones
C: Chase Jeter
Who is lost: Quinn Cook had a tremendous senior season, and he was a leader on the floor. He played with poise and made timely shots all year long. Jahlil Okafor came into the college game as the No. 1 player in the ESPN 100, and he could be the No. 1 pick in the 2015 NBA draft. His back-to-the-basket game and improved body made him a difference-maker every night for the Blue Devils, as Okafor won the ACC Player of the Year as a freshman.
Who is added: Coach K and his staff landed a tremendous inside-out pair of ESPN 100 players in Chase Jeter and Luke Kennard. Jeter will be a big man who is committed to running the floor, rebounding and scoring on the blocks with his signature jump hook. He is not a replacement for Okafor -- no one could fill that role -- but he can add to the depth of the frontcourt. Kennard will provide a scoring punch on the perimeter with a long-distance jumper and a knack for straight-line drives. Duke is a finalist and might be one of the favorites for in-state and ESPN 100 prospect Brandon Ingram (No. 12).
What it means for next season: If Tyus Jones and Winslow return, this team will be right in the mix for an ACC title. The perimeter for Duke will be loaded, as the Blue Devils will have one of the best point guards in the country with Jones, and a trio of shooters and scorers in Matt Jones, Grayson Allen and Kennard. Winslow’s versatility can make him a small forward or he can slide up to the power forward spot when Coach K wants to play small. Duke also has transfer Sean Obi from Rice eligible next year. Obi is 6-foot-9, 265 pounds and was noted for being a rebounding machine as he pulled down 9.3 rebounds per game last season (second in the NCAA among freshmen). His physical presence will be much needed, and combined with Jeter, Jefferson and Marshall Plumlee, Duke will have size to score and battle inside.
Trending: Level. Last year, Duke grabbed the recruiting headlines with the No. 1 recruiting class and the No. 1 player in Okafor. This influx of talent is at a high level. Although there is no one replacement for Okafor, there is a strong nucleus of battle-tested talent returning. With this returning roster, not only will scoring be strong and balanced, but Duke could be as good if not better defensively because of its depth. The biggest question for Coach Krzyzewski will be if Tyus Jones declares for the NBA draft. That would leave the Blue Devils without a point guard for next season, which would be a problem in any year.