You’ve probably seen the clips by now — a soaring putback slam, a pinpoint dime in transition, a full-court press that looks more like March than August. But what the cameras aren’t showing is where things get wild.
The Duke Blue Devils’ summer practices are sending shockwaves through the program. Yes, the highlight plays are legit. But what’s happening between the clips? That’s what has insiders buzzing.
Freshmen Lighting It Up
Let’s start with the obvious: the newcomers are making noise.
Cameron Boozer might be the most talked-about freshman in the country — and it’s not hype. Coaches are reportedly stunned at how quickly he’s adapted. He’s bullying upperclassmen in the paint and knocking down jumpers like he’s been in Durham for years.
Meanwhile, Dame Sarr is becoming the international wildcard nobody saw coming. He’s long, bouncy, and fearless — and one source called his defensive instincts “ridiculous for a freshman.” Clips of him locking up one of the team’s top wings quietly made the rounds — and had the staff taking a second look at the starting lineup.
And don’t overlook Cayden Boozer. The younger Boozer twin has been steady at point guard, running the second unit with poise — and even giving veteran guards trouble with his timing and tempo.
Returners Taking Leaps
But the most unexpected shifts? They’re happening among the returners.
Isaiah Evans has reportedly flipped a switch. Coaches say he’s added muscle, sharpened his decision-making, and is now playing like a legit two-way wing. One source said, “He’s not just competing — he’s leading.”
Caleb Foster is thriving in the new spacing. With more shooters around him, he’s slicing into the paint at will and showing off his playmaking. Word is, he’s embraced the leadership role that comes with being a junior in Durham.
Then there’s Maliq Brown — the senior forward who’s quietly turning into a glue guy with bite. His communication, energy, and dirty work in practice have become contagious. Coaches love him. Teammates follow him.
The Silent Risers
Two names insiders keep whispering: Darren Harris and Patrick Ngongba II.
Harris, the sharpshooter, is reportedly lights out in drills — but what’s got people talking is his improved foot speed and defensive effort. Don’t be surprised if he earns real minutes as a floor spacer who can hold his own on D.
Ngongba, the 6’11” sophomore center, looks noticeably leaner and quicker. His timing around the rim and rebounding instincts are coming alive. If he keeps trending this way, Duke might have a true rim-protecting force to anchor the back line.
And quietly, Cameron Sheffield and Spencer Hubbard are turning heads too. Sheffield is showing versatility as a wing defender, while Hubbard — the smallest guy on the court — keeps making the right play and annoying bigger guards in scrimmages. Energy guys like him matter in practice culture.
The Real Story
So yeah — the clips going viral are cool. But they don’t show the real transformation happening in Durham.
Jon Scheyer isn’t just working with talent. He’s building competition — real, relentless, no-spot-is-safe kind of competition. Every practice is a fight. Roles are still wide open. And the guys who weren’t trending last spring? They’re suddenly at the center of the story.
The highlight reels might be polished…
But the real story is raw, intense, and still unfolding behind closed doors.
And when the season tips off, don’t be surprised if a few of the names not featured in the clips are the ones stealing the spotlight.
