When summer practice started in Durham, Duke fans had a pretty good idea of who the starting five would be. Veteran leadership, high-profile freshmen, returning contributors — it all seemed set in stone.
But now?
Let’s just say one player is making Jon Scheyer seriously reconsider things.
Sources close to the program say Caleb Foster has come into this offseason with a new level of polish, purpose, and maturity. Gone is the streaky freshman trying to find his role — in his place is a sophomore who looks like he expects to lead.
“He’s controlling tempo, calling out sets, pushing the pace… it’s like he’s coaching while playing,” one observer said after watching an early scrimmage. “You can tell the staff is trusting him more.”
That wasn’t always the case last season. Foster showed flashes — big scoring outbursts, confident shooting — but struggled with consistency and decision-making. Now? He’s becoming the most reliable player in the gym.
And that has ripple effects.
With Foster demanding more time on the ball, Duke may need to shift how it deploys other guards — including high-profile newcomers like Dame Sarr and returning stars like Isaiah Evans. There’s a growing belief that the backcourt rotation could be far more fluid than anyone expected.
One thing is clear: Foster didn’t come back to be a role player. He’s playing like a starter. Maybe even the starter.
And if he keeps this up?
Jon Scheyer’s carefully drawn starting five might be torn up before the first exhibition game.
