When Duke Basketball posts a practice clip, it’s usually just a quick look behind the curtain. But the one that just dropped? It’s the kind of video that makes fans sit up, take notice, and start dreaming about March Madness.
This wasn’t just warm-up footage. It was a statement: Duke is locked in, and Jon Scheyer’s squad looks scary good.
Inside the Clip: A Midseason Energy in September
The viral video is just under a minute long, but it packs in everything you want to see from a team with national title aspirations.
Caleb Foster, the veteran guard, is at the heart of it all. He’s barking out signals, pointing teammates into position, then casually draining threes in rhythm. His growth from last season to now is obvious — he looks like the guy who will steer the offense.
Isaiah Evans might have delivered the play of the day. A missed jumper turned into a high-flying put-back dunk that had the entire gym losing its mind. Evans’ athleticism and swagger are exactly what this Duke team needs on the wing.
Maliq Brown continues to be the glue guy. In the clip, he takes a hard charge in the lane, pops back up, and gets swarmed by his teammates. That hustle is infectious — the kind of play that flips momentum in a real game.
Patrick Ngongba II put an exclamation point on the sequence by swatting a shot into the baseline seats, then sprinting end-to-end for a rim-rocking dunk. For a sophomore, his physical presence already screams “anchor of the defense.”
Meanwhile, Jon Scheyer is in the action — not just standing back with his arms crossed. He’s vocal, animated, and clearly loving what he sees.
Why This Practice Clip Means More Than You Think
This video is going viral for a reason. It’s not just about hype — it’s about the details that point toward what this Duke team might be in 2025-26.
1. Leadership Is Solidified
There’s no guessing about who runs the show. Foster’s poise and command of the floor are exactly what a team needs from its veteran guard. He looks confident enough to take over games — and more importantly, get others involved.
2. Culture Is Clear
Brown’s charge and Ngongba’s block aren’t just nice plays — they’re a signal that Duke’s culture is built on defense first. Scheyer has made it clear that the Blue Devils want to be the most physical team in the ACC. Clips like this prove they’re buying in.
3. Balance Across the Roster
Evans’ highlight is a reminder that Duke has multiple ways to beat you. This team has shooters, slashers, defensive stoppers, and a strong frontcourt. That kind of balance has been missing at times in recent years.
Social Media Reactions
Blue Devil Nation didn’t waste time lighting up the timeline:
“This is the Duke team we’ve been waiting for — tough, vocal, unselfish.”
“If Foster is this locked in, look out. That’s our floor general.”
“Ngongba is the next great Duke big man, book it.”
Even rival fans admitted the energy was undeniable. One ACC fan commented, “I hate Duke, but they look scary good this year.”
The Bigger Picture
Duke’s biggest question coming into this season was whether they could translate talent into toughness. This clip answers that question with authority. They’re not just skilled — they’re gritty, connected, and already playing at a high level.
If this is what September looks like, imagine what this team will look like come February when rotations are tighter and chemistry is fully formed.
What to Watch Moving Forward
Foster’s Consistency: Can he maintain this level of control against top defenses?
Evans’ Breakout: He might be Duke’s most electric player — will he step into a starring role?
Frontcourt Depth: Ngongba and Brown look ready, but will Duke have enough inside against elite big men?
