In a continuing effort to strengthen its frontcourt depth heading into next season, the Duke men’s basketball program added a new piece on Wednesday as head coach Jon Scheyer secured a commitment from transfer center. The 6-foot-11, 240-pound big man arrives from Rice University and brings with him size, maturity, and a fresh opportunity to contribute in a high-major program.
The player, who recently completed his undergraduate degree, will join the Blue Devils as a graduate transfer. Thanks to a redshirt year during his time at Rice, he is expected to have two full seasons of NCAA eligibility remaining. That added availability gives Duke not only a short-term reinforcement but also the flexibility to develop him over time, potentially into a reliable presence in the post.
During the 2023-24 season, the towering center played a reserve role for the Owls, appearing in 16 games. Though his statistical output was limited—averaging just 1.8 points and 0.6 rebounds per contest—his performance showed glimpses of potential. He tallied 28 total points, 10 rebounds, and three blocked shots for the season, with his most notable performance coming on November 30, 2023, when he recorded a career-high seven points against Tennessee-Martin.
While his role at Rice was relatively small, Duke’s coaching staff sees Ifeanyi Ufochukwuwu as a projectable piece who can bolster the team’s interior defense and add valuable length to their rotation. His sheer physical presence makes him an intriguing addition, particularly given the physical nature of ACC play and the demands on post players in Scheyer’s system.
With roster movement being a regular part of college basketball’s modern transfer landscape, Ufochukwu’s arrival could help offset any departures or early NBA Draft entries among Duke’s big men. His experience at the Division I level and his readiness to step into a new environment could make him a useful contributor, whether as a rim protector, rebounder, or high-energy reserve.
As the Blue Devils continue to finalize their roster for the upcoming season, the addition of Ufochukwu reflects a strategic move to reinforce depth and physicality in the paint. It also underscores Scheyer’s commitment to building a roster that balances elite freshmen talent with seasoned collegiate players who can provide stability and leadership in high-pressure moments.
Duke fans will be eager to see how the newcomer adapts to his new role and whether his development will mirror other transfer success stories under the Scheyer regime.
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