Something feels different in Durham. Not flashy. Not loud. Just focused. It’s in the way they warm up. The way they defend. The way they talk to each other after every missed rotation or contested bucket.
Duke’s summer practices aren’t just drills — they’re declarations. This is a group that’s not figuring it out as they go. They’ve already dialed in on what they’re chasing. And you can feel it in every movement.
A Veteran-Led Culture of Accountability
Guys like Caleb Foster and Maliq Brown aren’t treating this like just another offseason. Their voices echo through the gym — holding teammates accountable, demanding intensity, and setting the tone.
“We’re not just trying to get better,” one insider shared. “We’re trying to get ready — for something big.”
Even the underclassmen are locking in like seasoned pros. You see Isaiah Evans and Dame Sarr bringing fire to every possession — communicating, competing, and crashing the boards like it’s March.
A Team That Knows Exactly What It Wants
Jon Scheyer isn’t installing a new culture. He’s enforcing one that’s already built — and maturing. With a full offseason under his leadership, Scheyer’s vision is translating loud and clear: play with purpose, compete without compromise, and never waste a rep.
“This isn’t a learning year,” one assistant said. “This is a winning year.”
Every Drill Looks Like a Film Study
Forget casual walkthroughs. These practices look like live game scrimmages. The pace? Blistering. The execution? Tight. And when mistakes happen? They’re corrected on the spot — not tomorrow, not later — right now.
Fans who’ve seen clips are already buzzing. “This team moves like they’ve been here before,” one fan tweeted. “They’ve got the look of a squad on a mission.”
More Than Talent — It’s Mentality
Duke isn’t just bringing back talent. They’re bringing back a mindset.
Every rebound is contested. Every defensive rotation is tight. Every time a guy hits the floor, he’s helped up by two others. That’s the Brotherhood. And that’s the type of culture that wins titles.
So yes — this team has been here before. Not just physically, but mentally. And the message behind every sweat-drenched practice is clear:
One goal. One mission. One March to prepare for.
