It’s only July, but the battle for starting spots at Duke is already heating up like it’s March Madness.
Following a string of competitive summer practices behind closed doors, multiple reports and leaked clips suggest that head coach Jon Scheyer may be facing his toughest rotation decisions yet. With returning talent, elite freshmen, and transfers all showing flashes, the race for Duke’s starting five is officially wide open.
> “No one’s safe right now,” one team insider said. “They’re all competing like the season tips off tomorrow.”
Veterans Holding Their Ground… But Barely
Names like Caleb Foster, Isaiah Evans, and Maliq Brown were expected to return as foundational pieces — and they’ve looked solid. Foster, in particular, has shown improved playmaking and leadership in recent scrimmages, while Evans’ motor on both ends is impressing the coaching staff.
But that doesn’t mean their spots are guaranteed.
> “Caleb’s vocal and poised, but there’s real pressure on him now,” an assistant reportedly said.
Freshmen Are Shaking Things Up
The buzz? Cameron Boozer might be unbenchable.
The five-star phenom has consistently dominated in practice, showcasing NBA-ready size, touch, and defensive instincts. He’s reportedly been matching up with upperclassmen and winning those battles — decisively.
And it’s not just Boozer. His twin brother Cayden Boozer, Dame Sarr, and Nikolas Khamenia have all made waves. Sarr’s perimeter scoring and high-IQ reads have many wondering if he could be a surprise Day 1 starter.
> “They don’t look like freshmen,” one Duke staffer noted. “They look like they’ve been here for years.”
Scheyer Experimenting With Wild Lineups
According to insiders, Scheyer has been tinkering with lineups that include 3-guard looks, zone defenses, and even a big-ball set with Boozer, Khamenia, and Patrick Ngongba II on the floor together.
Scheyer hasn’t publicly tipped his hand, but his message seems clear: Nothing is set in stone.
> “If you’re not competing, you’re not playing. Period,” Scheyer reportedly told the team this week.
Key Battles to Watch
Here are three position races fans should keep an eye on:
Point Guard Spot: Foster vs Cayden Boozer — veteran control or freshman explosiveness?
Wing Scorer: Evans vs Sarr — shot creation vs sharpshooting consistency
Stretch Four: Khamenia vs Ngongba — spacing vs size
Big Names on the Bubble?
While no one’s naming names yet, sources say at least one returning player could be bumped to a bench role if they don’t step up soon.
And with Duke’s loaded depth, there’s not much margin for error.
Bottom Line
Duke’s summer practices are revealing one thing loud and clear: every spot must be earned.
If this intensity carries into the fall, the Blue Devils might not just be a tournament team — they could be a Final Four threat.
But first, Scheyer has to answer the question everyone’s asking…
> Who’s starting?
