From the opening whistle in Durham, you could tell this wasn’t just another summer tune-up.
Caleb Foster ran the floor like a maestro, directing traffic with the poise of a veteran and the urgency of a man chasing a championship. Isaiah Evans was locked in, attacking the basket with a smooth confidence and burying jumpers over outstretched hands.
In the paint, Maliq Brown brought the muscle, fighting for rebounds and anchoring the defense with his trademark toughness, while Patrick Ngongba II owned the rim on both ends — throwing down one dunk so violent it stopped the gym cold.
The newcomers were just as fierce. Cameron Boozer muscled his way through defenders like they were traffic cones, while his brother Cayden Boozer orchestrated the offense with precision, threading passes that split the defense. Dame Sarr showcased his international polish, slashing into open space and knocking down threes with ease.
Even the energy guys made their presence felt — Darren Harris knocked down shots from deep, Cameron Sheffield hounded ball-handlers end to end, Spencer Hubbard pushed the tempo, Nikolas Khamenia brought a crafty scoring touch, and Sebastian Wilkins attacked the boards like every rebound was his.
By the end of practice, the scoreboard didn’t matter — the only thing anyone noticed was how locked in this team looked. The chemistry. The grit. The relentless drive.
But here’s the truth: for all the perfection on display, there’s still one thing separating Duke from cutting down the nets next season.
It’s not talent. It’s not depth.
It’s the ability to execute under pressure when the game is on the line.
Last season, Duke had the firepower. This year, they have the roster. But those final two minutes in March — when the crowd is deafening and the score is tied — will decide if this flawless practice becomes a championship reality.
And if Foster, Evans, and the Boozer brothers can deliver in those moments? The rest of college basketball better start bracing now.
