The offseason is usually quiet in Durham, but this summer’s Duke practices have been anything but. Reports out of the gym describe a new level of intensity, with every rep feeling like it matters. Head coach Jon Scheyer has made competition and accountability the focus, and it’s clear the players are responding. Fans and insiders are already buzzing that this group might have the right mix of talent and toughness to make a serious run.
Duke’s veterans are leading the charge. Junior guard Caleb Foster has taken command of the offense, setting the tone with his leadership and decision-making. Sophomore wing Isaiah Evans looks noticeably more confident, using his length and improved shooting to make plays on both ends. In the frontcourt, senior forward Maliq Brown is providing grit and versatility, while 6-11 Patrick Ngongba II is showing major strides as a rim protector and rebounder. Meanwhile, Darren Harris, Cameron Sheffield, and walk-on Spencer Hubbard continue to add valuable energy and depth in practice.
Of course, the hype around this summer largely centers on Duke’s loaded freshman class — and so far, they’ve lived up to expectations. Cameron Boozer, the nation’s top recruit, has been nearly unstoppable, scoring inside and out with ease. His twin brother, Cayden Boozer, is running the point with maturity beyond his years, while Nikolas Khamenia has impressed with his IQ and versatility on the wing. Add in Italian sharpshooter Dame Sarr and the athletic Sebastian Wilkins, and it’s clear this freshman group could make an instant impact.
What ties it all together is Scheyer’s system. Practices are designed for pace, defensive intensity, and unselfish play. Veterans are pushing the newcomers, while the freshmen are raising the level of competition. Insiders say there’s a noticeable chemistry forming already, something that doesn’t always come this early in the offseason. The result is a gym that feels more like a battleground than a workout space.
The early buzz has Duke fans dreaming big. With Foster commanding the backcourt, Evans and Harris providing wing scoring, Brown and Ngongba anchoring the paint, and the Boozer brothers headlining one of the best freshman classes in recent memory, this Blue Devils team looks dangerous. If the energy from these summer practices carries into the season, Cameron Indoor Stadium may be rocking louder than ever — and Duke could be setting the stage for a special year.
