They weren’t expecting this.
When Duke’s summer practices began, the buzz was all about player development, early chemistry, and establishing identity. But what happened behind closed doors this week flipped the script — and now, all eyes are on Jon Scheyer.
According to sources close to the program, Scheyer has made a bold shift in how the Blue Devils are approaching training. It’s not just about running drills or learning sets. This summer, practice has turned into a pressure cooker — designed to simulate real-game chaos from the opening whistle.
One insider put it bluntly:
> “This isn’t about teaching anymore. It’s about finding out who can survive.”
Instead of easing players into roles, Scheyer has reportedly thrown the rotation wide open. Every spot is up for grabs — even among the veterans. The staff is mixing lineups wildly, forcing matchups like Cameron Boozer battling Maliq Brown, or Dame Sarr guarding Isaiah Evans at full speed. The physicality? Off the charts.
And here’s where it gets even more intense: the newcomers aren’t being brought along slowly.
Nikolas Khamenia, the versatile wing who turned heads with USA Basketball, has been plugged into high-leverage reps. Sebastian Wilkins, who reclassified from 2026, already looks like he belongs. Cayden Boozer is running with the first group at times, going head-to-head with returnees like Caleb Foster and Darren Harris.
> “This isn’t summer camp,” one assistant coach reportedly said. “This is survival.”
While fans expected to see players like Patrick Ngongba II gradually develop, he’s been in the fire every day — rotating between first and second units and showing real growth. And with every spot up for grabs, even proven players like Isaiah Evans and Caleb Foster are fighting to protect their roles.
But not everyone agrees with the approach.
Some around the program — and even some fans — are wondering if this is too much, too soon.
“Genius or reckless?” one source said. “We’ll know by November.”
What we do know: the intensity is working. Players are competing like it’s the NCAA Tournament. Scrimmages have turned emotional. The energy is different. Nothing is guaranteed, and everyone knows it.
Whether Scheyer’s chaotic system ends in championships or growing pains remains to be seen.
But one thing is clear: this Duke team is being built in the fire — and they’re already burning hotter than anyone expected.
