Blue Devil Bigs: Duke’s Stretch Fours Are Redefining the Game and Rewriting a Legacy
Duke Basketball has long been associated with elite guards and dominant centers, but over the years, it’s been the evolution of the stretch four—that hybrid forward with the size to bang inside and the touch to hit from deep—that’s added a new layer to the program’s identity. Now, in the buildup to the 2025/2026 season, the Blue Devils are continuing that proud tradition with a fresh crop of versatile big men ready to leave their mark.
Stretch fours at Duke aren’t just floor spacers—they’re game-changers. From the days of Shane Battier and Kyle Singler to more recent names like Paolo Banchero and Matthew Hurt, the position has become a defining piece of Duke’s modern offensive DNA. These players don’t just stretch the floor—they stretch the imagination of what a power forward can be.
This upcoming season, Duke is reloading once again with a new generation of forwards who combine size, shooting, and mobility. The staff has been focused on recruiting players who can do it all: protect the rim, switch defensively, and knock down threes at a high clip. It’s no longer enough to simply play inside—the new Duke four has to thrive on the perimeter.
What makes Duke’s approach unique is how these forwards are developed. Under the guidance of head coach Jon Scheyer and his staff, they’re not just molded into scorers—they’re taught to read defenses, facilitate offense, and become leaders on both ends of the floor.
As the Blue Devils gear up for another run at a national title, all eyes are on their stretch fours—not just for their impact in the box score, but for their role in shaping Duke’s future. The legacy continues, one long-range dagger at a time.
