It’s more than talent. It’s more than hype. Something is shifting inside the Duke program, and it’s not just about who can jump the highest or hit the deepest three. This year’s Blue Devils are embracing something deeper — a culture built on accountability, toughness, and unshakable belief.
Jon Scheyer has made it clear from the first summer workout: the standard is non-negotiable. Every practice rep is measured, every defensive rotation is scrutinized, and every player is expected to bring intensity from start to finish. It’s not enough to just “be good” — the goal is to be relentless.
Veteran leaders like Maliq Brown are setting the tone in the paint, bringing the kind of physicality and energy that makes teammates step up or get left behind. Caleb Foster is commanding the floor with poise, making the right reads and pushing the tempo when it matters most. And Isaiah Evans, now a sophomore, has turned his flashes of brilliance into consistent production, attacking defenses with confidence.
The depth is unlike most years. Patrick Ngongba II is owning his role as a rim protector and rebounder, while Darren Harris and Cameron Sheffield provide valuable spacing and shooting. Even walk-on Spencer Hubbard has been praised by coaches for pushing starters in drills and never letting the energy drop.
The incoming freshmen aren’t just learning — they’re challenging. Cameron Boozer and Nikolas Khamenia are making an instant impact with their skill and maturity. Dame Sarr has already shown flashes of being a go-to scorer, Sebastian Wilkins is bringing physical play beyond his years, and Cayden Boozer is showing leadership qualities rare for a first-year point guard.
The result? A practice environment where no possession is easy, no drill is taken for granted, and no player is allowed to coast. It’s the type of culture that doesn’t just win games — it wins championships.
Scheyer has said little publicly about the shift, but those close to the program can feel it. The Blue Devils aren’t just preparing to compete — they’re preparing to dominate. And if this mindset carries over into March, no one will want to be standing in their way.
