It didn’t take long.
Just one leaked clip from inside Duke’s summer practice gym, and the internet exploded. The play? A flashy behind-the-back pass that drew gasps from players — but ended in a sloppy turnover. Within hours, fans and analysts alike were asking the question no one thought they’d hear in Durham:
Is Duke losing its identity — right there in the gym?
The Play That Sparked the Firestorm
In the now-viral clip, Isaiah Evans breaks down his defender, whips a no-look dime to Patrick Ngongba II, who soars in for a windmill finish — and bricks it hard off the rim. The very next sequence? Another iso-heavy possession that ends in another turnover.
The reactions came fast.
Some fans loved the confidence.
Others? Not so much.
> “This isn’t the Duke I grew up on,” one fan wrote on X.
“Coach K would’ve stopped practice on the spot and made them run laps.”
Style Over Substance?
According to one ACC assistant coach who spoke anonymously, Duke’s gym workouts have been “way more show than structure.”
> “They’re letting the guys go wild,” he said. “And sure, that builds swagger. But come March? Swagger won’t save you in a half-court war.”
Even former Blue Devils are starting to voice concern. One NBA alum reportedly said:
> “Right now it feels like a mixtape session, not championship preparation.”
What Scheyer Is Trying to Build
Jon Scheyer has never shied away from giving his players freedom. And with freak athletes like Maliq Brown, Caleb Foster, and Darren Harris in the gym, the ceiling is insane.
But that same talent pool can create chaos.
With so many young stars, everyone’s trying to earn a role. Everyone’s trying to go viral. Everyone wants to be the guy.
> “It’s like five future pros in there battling for camera time,” said one former team manager.
“But who’s doing the dirty work?”
Brotherhood or Just a Brand?
Some longtime Duke fans are starting to question whether “The Brotherhood” is becoming more brand than bond.
The leaked footage was filled with dunks, celebrations, and isolation plays — but very little defense or teamwork.
The comment section was ruthless:
> “Duke’s lost that edge.”
“They care more about clips than chips.”
“If they get punched in the mouth, they won’t respond.”
