If you’re tracking Duke basketball, something’s changed in the practice gym — and insiders are whispering about a dark horse starter nobody expected to see in the opening lineup.
The Vibe in the Gym Has Turned
Sources close to the program describe recent practices as more intense, more physical, and higher stakes than before. The scrimmages aren’t casual drills — they’re full-speed battles, with every possession contested hard. One staffer put it simply: “It feels like minutes are up for grabs.”
That shift isn’t just energy — it’s purpose. Coaches are pushing the roster harder, and a few walk-ons aren’t content to stay in the background. At the same time, one “under-the-radar” contributor is showing up in a big way.
The Expected Starters — and Their Mix
Going into the season, much of the speculation surrounds who will flank the headliners:
Caleb Foster is widely viewed as a safe bet at point guard — a veteran presence expected to take on more playmaking responsibility.
Isaiah Evans returns with hype, especially as a shooter who can stretch the floor.
Cameron Boozer looms large in frontcourt discussions, given his size, athleticism, and pedigree.
Patrick Ngongba II is often mentioned as the projected center, after being in the rotation last year.
That’s a strong core — but it may not be set in stone.
Enter the Dark Horse: Maliq Brown?
The name getting buzz is Maliq Brown, a senior forward/center who’s often been viewed as a glue guy, defensive stopper, and energy contributor off the bench.
What’s changed:
Matchups & physicality: In recent scrimmages, Brown has reportedly won several head-to-head battles in the paint and on the boards. Coaches say he’s defending multiple positions better than before.
Consistency: His footwork, timing, and rebounding have looked sharper, which shows the kind of incremental gains that can matter in close games.
Trust: Seniority and familiarity may work in his favor. Some on the staff seem more willing to reward “doing the little things” — diving to loose balls, setting screens, contesting shots.
If Brown cracks the starting lineup, it could give Duke more versatility — a forward who can guard bigger bodies, mix it up inside, and add physicality behind Boozer.
Why This Matters More Than It Sounds
Rotation balance: If Brown starts, it could shift one of the projected starters (maybe Evans or Ngongba) into a different role or minutes share.
Tactical flexibility: His presence adds more switching options defensively, especially against teams that play small or try to exploit mismatches.
Motivation signal: Rewarding a dark horse starter sends a message: practice matters, not just name or hype.
What to Watch for Confirmation
When Duke holds its Blue-White scrimmage or exhibition game, see who gets announced as a starter.
Pay attention to early non-conference games — if Brown draws starting minutes, that’s a strong signal.
Watch lineups on the fly: if Brown is the one closing out stretches instead of a more heralded name, that speaks volumes.
It’s early, but the changing energy in practice is real — and coaches are clearly testing boundaries. Keep your eyes on Maliq Brown. If the rumors are true, the underdog might just be the surprise piece that defines Duke’s identity this year.
