What started as a typical mid-summer grind inside Cameron Indoor is now becoming a quiet storm — and Duke’s newest lineup experiment is turning heads.
Just a few weeks into summer practice, Jon Scheyer and staff have made a bold rotation move, and the buzz is real: Cameron Boozer isn’t locked in as a starter — at least not yet.
That’s not a knock on Boozer, the physically gifted freshman and likely future lottery pick. But it’s a clear sign that Duke is sending a message to its young stars: nothing is guaranteed.
> “This isn’t about high school hype anymore,” one insider close to the team shared. “The staff wants to see who’s going to scrap.”
The Lineup Twist: Who’s Rising?
The twist?
Nikolas Khamenia — long praised for his feel and motor — is getting run with the first unit. Known for doing the little things right, Khamenia has emerged as a glue guy who fits perfectly next to more high-usage players like Dame Sarr.
Speaking of Sarr, the Italian-born wing has reportedly been electric in practice, flashing his deep shooting range and high IQ. He’s showing signs of being a day-one starter and is a big reason the coaches are mixing up rotations.
Meanwhile, Sebastian Wilkins, the high-flying forward and son of NBA legend Dominique Wilkins, has also seen a boost. His energy and defensive versatility are standing out — and he’s becoming the kind of switchable piece that modern Duke teams thrive on.
Who’s Getting Pushed?
The surprise?
Cameron Boozer has rotated in with the second unit at times — a strategy that appears designed to push his intensity and decision-making.
No one is doubting his upside, but coaches want to see him dominate with urgency. One source even mentioned Boozer being outworked on the glass during one scrimmage — something that surely won’t sit well with him or the staff.
> “It’s not punishment,” the source clarified. “It’s development. They’re making him earn it.”
Why This Could Be Brilliant
Duke isn’t playing it safe — and that may be the key.
By elevating guys like Khamenia and Wilkins early, they’re fostering hunger and shaking off entitlement. Everyone — even the five-star phenoms — is being held to the same standard.
This strategy is creating a gym full of grinders, not just highlight reels.
And if this new-look lineup sticks — with Sarr emerging as a primary creator, Khamenia filling in gaps, and Boozer being sharpened by the fire — it might not just surprise the ACC…
…it could make Duke the most dangerous team in college basketball.
