When it comes to summer practices, most college programs stick to the same script: drills, conditioning, and maybe a few controlled scrimmages. But Jon Scheyer isn’t following the usual playbook. What he just implemented at Duke’s summer practice has players and fans stunned — and it may be the most revealing move of the offseason.
Instead of relying on veterans to lead drills and set the tone, Scheyer flipped the entire practice structure. For the first week of full team sessions, he let the freshmen run the show. From setting the tempo to calling plays and initiating huddles, Cameron Boozer, Cayden Boozer, Nikolas Khamenia, Dame Sarr, and Sebastian Wilkins were handed the keys — and expected to lead the upperclassmen.
> “Leadership isn’t something we assign,” Scheyer told the team.
“It’s something we watch unfold — in real time.”
That leadership experiment put pressure on the returners — and revealed a lot. Isaiah Evans, known for his scoring prowess, reportedly struggled early adjusting to the change in hierarchy. Meanwhile, Caleb Foster, Duke’s steady junior guard, was praised for embracing the challenge and mentoring Cayden Boozer while letting him take control of the offense.
Sources close to the program say that Maliq Brown, the senior forward, set the tone physically during scrimmages, challenging both Boozer brothers with rim protection and veteran toughness. Patrick Ngongba II, now in his second year, looked more confident — but was pushed hard by the energy and shot-blocking instincts of Cameron Boozer, who’s already showing NBA-level promise.
And then there was Dame Sarr, who many say “lit up the gym” with his two-way hustle. At one point, he reportedly got a standing ovation from the coaching staff for locking down Darren Harris in a full-court drill — then drilling a pull-up three seconds later.
Even role players like Cameron Sheffield and Spencer Hubbard weren’t left out. Sheffield, a vocal presence, helped anchor a freshman-led unit defensively, while Hubbard brought his usual spark and intensity, refusing to be outworked despite the size disadvantage.
The energy? Relentless. The accountability? Immediate. Players weren’t just battling each other — they were competing for Scheyer’s trust.
This wasn’t just a practice twist. It was a culture check.
By putting the freshmen in charge, Scheyer exposed weaknesses, revealed leaders, and sent a crystal-clear message: There are no guaranteed roles. Not this year.
And with this mix of young star power and veteran grit, one thing is already clear — Duke’s chemistry is being forged in fire this summer.
