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Duke's Jon Scheyer Gets Major Transfer Portal News on Wednesday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Max Escarpio | Last updated May 7, 2025 10:53 AM ET

The Duke Blue Devils are fresh off a Final Four appearance, led by one of the top head coaches in college basketball, Jon Scheyer.

Scheyer took over as the head coach of the program three years ago, replacing college basketball legend Mike Krzyzewski, and Duke hasn't skipped a beat.

The Blue Devils went 35-4 last season, led by one of the best freshman classes college basketball has ever seen, starring Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel and Khaman Maluach.

While they made their mark last season, all three players are heading into the NBA draft.

This leaves Scheyer with major holes to fill, which he did on Wednesday.

According to Matt Zenitz, Rice center transfer Ifeanyi Ufochukwu has signed with Duke. He will continue his college basketball career with Scheyer and the Blue Devils, attempting to help replace the production Flagg and Maluach leave behind as the team's lead rebounders.

Rice center transfer Ifeanyi Ufochukwu has signed with Duke, @chris_hummer and I have learned for @cbssports/@247sports.

The 6-foot-11, 240-pounder redshirted last season. Played in 16 games for Rice during the 2023-24 season.https://t.co/wkYKVSg3vh pic.twitter.com/2eZhrSlHQx
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) May 7, 2025

As Zenitz explained, Ufochukwu redshirted this past season. He played 16 games for Rice during the 2023-24 season and nine games for the college basketball program in the 2022-23 season.

During his last active season, Ufochukwu averaged 1.8 points, 0.6 rebounds and 0.1 assists per game.

While he had limited production during his college basketball career, Ufochukwu brings a much-needed paint presence at 6-foot-11 for Scheyer and the Blue Devils.

Duke marched its way to the Final Four last season after defeating Alabama, Arizona, Baylor and Mount St. Mary's in the NCAA Tournament.

With Flagg and the rest of the freshmen leading the way, Duke earned itself an ACC regular-season title and ACC Tournament crown.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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