It started with a whisper — and now it’s a full-blown debate raging across message boards, fan pages, and Twitter/X.
Reports out of Durham suggest Duke’s summer practices have been more laid-back than expected. Some insiders say the Blue Devils are focused on chemistry and skill development rather than full-contact scrimmages and intense drills. But not every fan is buying that approach.
> “This ain’t the Duke I remember,” one former player posted anonymously. “Coach K would’ve had these boys running sprints ‘til they dropped.”
While head coach Jon Scheyer (now entering his fourth season at the helm) has repeatedly emphasized patience and long-term development, others feel Duke may be “coddling” its young stars — especially with so many high-profile freshmen on the roster.
Among the names drawing attention?
Cameron Boozer, who’s shown flashes of dominance but has yet to face serious physical pushback in practice.
Isaiah Evans, the wiry wing whose offensive skill is undeniable — but whose defense has been described as “a work in progress.”
Fans are split:
“It’s JULY. They’re building the foundation. Let them cook.”
“If they’re this soft now, what happens when they run into UConn or Houston in November?”
Even former Duke greats have chimed in. One anonymous alum said, “You want to protect talent, but you also need to build toughness. Right now? It feels like they’re walking on eggshells.”
Still, some argue this is all part of Scheyer’s long-term strategy. Duke has loaded up on athletic, versatile talent — and summer is for learning the system, not winning battles in practice.
So which is it?
Is Duke simply being smart and methodical?
Or is this a team that’s missing the edge it’ll need come March?
Either way, the pressure is ON — and the noise around Duke’s “too soft or just getting started” debate isn’t going away anytime soon.
What do YOU think? Is Duke building a powerhouse or babying their stars? Drop a comment and join the debate!
