At Duke, talent gets you through the door — but work keeps you on the floor.
This summer, the Blue Devils aren’t coasting on five-star rankings or draft projections. Inside the practice facility, it’s been a full-on grind, and even the most hyped newcomers are realizing that minutes are earned, not handed out.
> “There’s no skipping steps,” said head coach Jon Scheyer. “It doesn’t matter where you were ranked. If you’re not bringing it every rep, you’re getting left behind.”
Welcome to the Brotherhood Boot Camp
With a mix of battle-tested veterans and elite incoming talent, Duke’s 2025-26 roster may be one of its deepest in years. But that also means no one’s role is guaranteed — and summer practice has become the proving ground.
Caleb Foster, now a junior, is embracing a leadership role in the backcourt. After an up-and-down sophomore year, he’s been described as “laser-focused” and “hungry to take over.”
Maliq Brown, the junior forward transfer, has made an immediate impact with his physicality and vocal presence on defense. One assistant said he’s “already the heartbeat of the second unit.”
Isaiah Evans, now a sophomore, has returned with added strength and confidence. His versatility at the wing is showing — and he’s competing like a starter.
The Young Guns Are Learning Fast
It hasn’t been easy for the new faces, but the flashes have been undeniable.
Patrick Ngongba II, the freshman big man, has impressed coaches with his rim protection and rebounding instincts. “He’s raw, but relentless,” one source said.
Darren Harris, a freshman sharpshooter, has been lights out from deep in scrimmages. Coaches are pushing him to become more than just a shooter — and he’s responding.
Cameron and Cayden Boozer, two of the highest-rated recruits in the country, are quickly learning the demands of college basketball. Cameron’s physicality in the paint and Cayden’s feel for the game have both been bright spots — but neither is being handed anything.
Nikolas Khamenia, the five-star forward, has shown flashes of offensive brilliance but is still adjusting to the speed and physicality of Duke’s system. “When he locks in,” a staffer said, “he looks like a pro.”
Culture Over Clout
Scheyer and his staff have set the tone: Earn your jersey.
> “You’ll see who really wants it by who’s here first and who leaves last,” said assistant coach Jai Lucas. “Hype fades. Work stays.”
The result? Ultra-competitive scrimmages, no off switches, and players who once trended for mixtapes now grinding for scout-team reps.
Even Duke’s veterans aren’t safe. The returning core knows these freshmen are coming, and they’re not waiting their turn — they’re demanding it.
> “This is about March,” Scheyer emphasized. “Not July rankings. If you’re not working, you’re not playing.”
With elite recruits, experienced leaders, and a culture of accountability, Duke is building a roster that doesn’t just look good on paper — it grinds for wins.
