It’s only summer, but if what’s happening inside Duke’s practice gym is any indication, this isn’t the same Blue Devils team we saw last season. The tempo is up, the defense is brutal, and players are flying up and down the floor like it’s March Madness already.
This summer, Duke isn’t just running drills — they’re building a new identity. And one thing is clear: it’s fast, physical, and relentless.
Let’s start with sophomore wing Isaiah Evans. His energy has been off the charts, defending the length of the court, finishing in transition, and talking non-stop on defense. One insider said, “He’s playing like he knows this is his time.” Evans is stronger, quicker, and more confident — and it’s showing.
But he’s not alone. Caleb Foster, now a junior, has emerged as the vocal leader in the backcourt. His pace has turned scrimmages into track meets. He’s pushing the ball hard, hunting early offense, and making it tough for the defense to ever get set. “He’s not walking it up anymore,” said one coach. “He’s in attack mode from the second he touches it.”
And then there’s Maliq Brown, the senior transfer forward. If you’re looking for the “physical” part of this new Duke identity, look no further. Brown has been a bruiser in the paint, setting bone-crushing screens, controlling the glass, and anchoring Duke’s revamped defense. He’s not flashy — just brutally effective.
Multiple players have been caught diving for loose balls, chasing shooters, and crashing the glass like it’s a Final Four game. And that’s not by accident — sources say Jon Scheyer made it clear on Day 1: “If you don’t compete, you don’t play.”
Even in summer, there’s no coasting. Every possession is a statement.
The word around campus is that this year’s Duke team is built differently. Less finesse, more force. Less waiting, more attacking. And fans are loving the shift.
