Duke's historic deal

A quick programming note: There will be NO newsletter next week. News has slowed and we could use a break. We’ll be back on May 11.

In partnership with

Whether you are stepping into a new leadership position, shifting to a new campus, or transitioning into your next chapter after a storied career, the "next move" is often the most grueling part of the journey.

Many staff members find themselves expected to "DIY" their life reset because "that’s how it’s always been done." At D1.relocation, we know there’s a better way.

CLICK HERE to read more about how we protect your time and your family’s peace of mind

1. Duke’s brand gets bigger with Amazon deal

Few programs have more national appeal than Duke. That’s what happens when you win a lot, have a great players, and play A LOT on TV.

So it shouldn’t be a huge surprise that the Blue Devils and Amazon announced a significant scheduling deal that’ll also deliver additional NIL opportunities for the program.

As anyone watching the NBA playoffs knows, it’s notable how many games have been on Amazon Prime (plus all the other sports) This will be its first venture into college hoops, with a trio of games that could all be top-10 matchups when played next year.

As for Duke, with the Champions Classic game against Michigan State on Nov. 10, that’s four elite games already on the schedule.

Beyond that, this is a showcase that allows Duke to stand out even more as a national brand and reportedly was done with ESPN’s, blessing. In return, look for the Blue Devils to play in one of the network’s marquee MTEs, such as the Maui Invitational or Battle 4 Atlantis rather than the Player’s Era Festival.

This is likely the beginning of Amazon’s move into college sports. Whether the next step includes broadcasting specific games, MTES, or future conference deals and partnerships remains to be seen.

Other notable schedule news:

• Former Mountain West foes Utah State and New Mexico will continue to play one another. They scheduled a home-and-home series for the next two season.

• St. John’s and Arizona scheduled a home-and-home series, starting at MSG on Dec. 5.

2. Nebraska lands transfer big + other commitments

One of the last entrants into the transfer portal was Damon Wilkinson, a 6-10 forward who averaged 13.9 ppg and 6.4 rpg at South Dakota State.

After starting 19 games as a sophomore, the big man had a few high-major teams after him, including NC State and Nebraska. He settled on the Huskers.

Nebraska’s frontcourt could be one of the Big Ten’s best, led by returning all-league wing Pryce Sandfort. Wilkinson joins fellow forward transfers, Boden Kapke (Boston College), Sam Orme (Belmont), and Kadyn Betts (Montana).

Whether that means the Huskers can replicate their historic start and big season, we’ll see.

Other transfer pickups:

• Alabama Huntsville junior guard Thomas Allard (13.7 ppg and 4.9 rpg) to Penn State

• Tarleton State sophomore guard Jordan Mizell (5.3 ppg and 2.3 apg) to Texas A&M-Corpus Christi

• Maine sophomore forward Keelan Steele (8.1 ppg and 4.5 rpg) to Mercer

• St. Francis sophomore guard Victor Payne (6.8 ppg and 3.5 rpg) to Central Connecticut State

• North Dakota freshman guard Greyson Uelmen (16.8 ppg and 2.4 apg) to Northern Iowa

• Florida Atlantic freshman guard Josiah Parker (9.6 ppg and 6.0 rpg) to Georgetown

• Northeastern sophomore guard Lucas Soroa (5.6 ppg and 3.4 rpg) to Bucknell

• Jacksonville sophomore guard Chris Arias (7.3 ppg and 2.3 rpg) to Wofford

• UC Riverside junior forward Osiris Grady (10.2 ppg and 5.7 rpg) to Sacramento State

• Ole Miss forward James Scott (3.9 ppg and 4.6 rpg) to Georgia

• LMU junior guard Rodney Brown Jr. (14 ppg and 2.4 rpg) to Seton Hall

• Oregon State sophomore forward Johan Munch (7.9 ppg and 5.1 rpg) to SMU

• Fresno State junior forward Jac Mani (6.0 ppg and 2.7 rpg) to Tarleton State

• Cleveland State junior guard Preist Ryan (7.2 ppg and 4.0 rpg) to Canisius

• Florida Atlantic junior guard Niccolo Moretti (5.6 ppg and 3.3 apg) to Lamar

• USC Upstate junior guard Mason Bendinger (14.4 ppg and 3.7 rpg) to Western Michigan

• Middle Tennessee junior forward Chris Loofe (7.3 ppg and 6.3 rpg) to Tulsa

• Evansville junior forward Joshua Hughes (9.3 ppg and 4.7 rpg) to USC

• Arizona freshman wing Dwayne Aristode (3.8 ppg and 1.7 rpg) to Oregon

• Washington State junior forward ND Okafor has switched his commitment from Ole Miss to Mississippi State

• Alabama freshman guard Davion Hannah (3.3 ppg and 1.9 rpg) to South Carolina

• Georgia State freshman guard Micah Tucker (13.5 ppg and 3.0 apg) to Grand Canyon

• Fresno State junior guard David Douglas Jr. (7.2 ppg and 1.4 rpg) to Northern Illinois

• East Carolina senior guard Trevion LaBeaux (3.0 ppg and 4.0 rpg) to Western Kentucky

• South Alabama sophomore guard John Broom (2.2 ppg and 2.7 rpg) to Vermont

• Idaho State freshman guard Louis Bond (4.9 ppg and 1.9 rpg) to Northeastern

• Florida freshman center Olivier Rioux to UC Irvine

3. Five notable teams still with roster holes

It’s May. Most power conference programs have their core rosters assembled and most of their bench players.

We’ve already highlighted much of the work left to do for teams such as Kansas and Kentucky, but those two are hardly alone when it comes to building a roster for 2026-27.

Here’s a look at five programs in need.

LSU

Coach Will Wade is back, but the honeymoon period hasn’t included commitments. Former Kentucky forward Dioubate (8.8 ppg and 5.5 rpg at Kentucky) is the only player on the roster. With few marquee free agent transfers remaining, they’ll have to go either the international route or class of 2026 prospects to fill out the roster.

Wake Forest

There are just seven players on the roster, with Merrimack transfer and MAAC POY Kennedy as the lone notable pickup. The frontcourt lacks proven players, and while replacing Juke Harris is an impossible task, Wake Forest is in danger of having a bottom-3 ACC roster.

Current roster:

• Guards: Isaac Carr (2.2 ppg and 1.7 rpg), Kevair Kennedy (18.4 ppg and 4.2 apg at Merrimack), Jamari McDowell (3.3 ppg at Kansas), Justin Ray (11.3 ppg at Monmouth)

• Forwards: Vinny Chaudhri (redshirted at George Washington), Antonio Dorn (2.6 ppg and 1.8 rpg at Virginia Tech)

Georgetown

To Ed Cooley’s credit, the Hoyas landed a couple recent transfers. But Kentucky guard Jaland Lowe and former FAU wing Josiah Parker are the only proven names with high-major production. Expect the Hoyas to add at least two more notable frontcourt players to go with returning starter Caleb Williams.

Current roster:

• Guards: Kayvaun Mulready (5.4 ppg and 2.5 rpg), Jaland Lowe (8.0 ppg in 9 games at Kentucky), Elmarko Jackson (4.8 ppg and 1.4 apg at Kansas), Josiah Parker (9.6 ppg and 6.0 rpg at Florida Atlantic)

• Forwards: Caleb Williams (8.8 ppg and 5.1 rpg), Seal Diouf (0.6 ppg and 0.8 rpg), Chol Machot (8.9 ppg and 5.5 rpg at Charleston)

Colorado

Barrington Hargress’ return was big, but another rebuild is underway after losing the other four starter. Undersized forward Justin Neely gives the Buffs a rebounder, but the lack of frontcourt depth, along with no other lead guards, could put CU in the bottom third of the Big 12 again.

Current roster:

• Guards: Barrington Hargress (14.7 ppg and 4.5 apg), Josiah Sanders (4.4 ppg and 2.6 rpg), Jalin Holland (4.9 ppg and 2.7 rpg), Ian Inman (4.1 ppg and 1.0 rpg)

• Forwards: Justin Neely (17.9 ppg and 11.5 rpg at UNC Greensboro), David Gomez (played 2 games at Charlotte), Noah Feddersen (9.3 ppg and 5.0 rpg at North Dakota State)

Texas Tech

Yes, landing a pair of 20+ ppg scorers in Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn and Cruz Davis was big. However, those two are it for impact players, with no wings, and a few reserve forwards on the current build. Will JT Toppin play next season? Will Christian Anderson stay in the NBA Draft?

Current roster:

• Guards: Cruz Davis (20.1 ppg at Hofstra), Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn (20.7 ppg at UNLV), Damarion Dennis (11.2 ppg at Wyoming)

• Forwards: Josiah Mosley (5.5 ppg and 3.6 rpg), Forward LaTrell Hoover (redshirted last year), Marial Akuentok (1.1 ppg and 1.7 rpg), JT Toppin (may not play next season)

Familiar sight

After signing Massamba Diop, Gonzaga should be among the national title contenders for 2026-27. Just like always.

Subscribe to The Field of 68 on YouTube here and subscribe here to AFTER DARK

Links as you wonder what else the Knicks can do.

• Duke landed 7-foot international prospect Joaquim Boumtje Boumtje.

• Here’s more info on the NCAA’s proposed 5-in-5 age proposal.

• Ex-Kentucky and NBA star John Wall will be President of Basketball Operations at Howard.

• Did a wrinkle get added to the House settlement with MMR deals?

• The Big West increased its exit fee to $5 million in an effort to keep schools.

Thanks for reading The Field of 68 Daily! If you have a news tip or feedback, email us at [email protected].