3 Early Transfer Portal Targets for Duke

Here are a few potential portal pieces for the Blue Devils to get familiar with.

Mar 26, 2026; Washington, DC, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer speaks with the media during a press conference ahead of the east regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images | Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

The Duke Blue Devils saw their 2025-26 season end in about as heartbreaking a fashion as possible, falling to 2-seed UConn 73-72 in the Elite Eight after holding a lead once as large as 19 points.

Nonetheless, head coach Jon Scheyer and his staff now hit the offseason switch to prepare for the 2026-27 campaign, where Duke could enter as the top team in the land. Scheyer and Co. have plenty of decisions to make about their key rotation pieces regarding a return to Duke or heading elsewhere, whether that be to the NBA or another college program.

Mar 19, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer reacts in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

The center position is easily the biggest question mark for the Blue Devils heading into the offseason. Maliq Brown is graduating, and there's a good chance Patrick Ngongba declares for the 2026 NBA Draft. Besides those two, Duke doesn't have a five-man.

Let's take a look at a few portal big men Scheyer can go after to fill the void next season.

Feb 8, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Charlotte 49ers center Anton Bonke (49) handles the ball against Memphis Tigers forward Aaron Bradshaw (11) during the first half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Wesley Hale-Imagn Images | Wesley Hale-Imagn Images

Anton Bonke - Charlotte

Anton Bonke instantly became a hot commodity after entering the portal from Charlotte. The 7' 2", 260-pound center is ranked as the No. 7 center in the portal currently, according to the 247Sports Transfer Rankings.

Bonke suited up for the 49ers after beginning his collegiate career at Eastern Arizona College (JUCO) and spending the 2024-25 campaign at Providence. As a junior, Bonke averaged 10.6 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks a game on 57.6% shooting from the field. The Vanuatu native averaged a ridiculous 3.0 offensive rebounds per game.

Feb 8, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Tigers guard Sincere Parker (23) shoots the ball against Charlotte 49ers center Anton Bonke (49) during the first half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Wesley Hale-Imagn Images | Wesley Hale-Imagn Images

One thing this Duke team lacked was a seven-footer down low, as it had with Khaman Maluach in 2024-25. Bonke displays good footwork for his size and has proven himself as an elite rebounder and shot blocker.

Mar 3, 2026; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs center Somto Cyril (2) on the court against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Stegeman Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images | Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Somto Cyril - Georgia

At 6' 11" and 260 pounds, Somto Cyril was one of the best shot blockers in college basketball this season and one of the most physical post presences down low. As a sophomore, Cyril averaged 9.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks a night on 75.9% shooting from the floor, finishing second in the SEC in total blocked shots (74).

Cyril fits the mold of a Duke big. Physical. Long. Good instincts. High motor. The Nigeria native is also a threat on the offensive end while being a good athlete. Cyril is currently the No. 1 center in the portal and No. 9 overall player.

Send the double team. Doesn't matter - it's Drew Fielder#BleedBlue x #UnbreakableCulture pic.twitter.com/eMxbphIsgJ

— Boise State MBB (@BroncoSportsMBB) March 7, 2026

Drew Fielder - Boise State

Ngongba made eight threes as a sophomore after attempting one as a freshman. Outside shooting is what Drew Fielder brings to the table. In 2025-26 with Boise State, Fielder averaged 14.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists on 54.7% shooting from the field and 40.9% shooting from three on 2.9 attempts.

At 6' 11" and 225 pounds, Duke fans saw this past season how much it can change the Blue Devils' offense to have a big threat to shoot from the outside. Fielder also plays with an extremely high motor, can keep up with the guards in transition, and can score in a ton of different ways.

TCU Horned Frogs guard Brock Harding (2) passes near Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer March 21, 2026 during the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament second round East Region game at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina. | Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Idaho native is the No. 3 center currently in the portal.