For all the talk about Duke’s young stars and incoming recruits, it was a familiar face who set the tone in practice this week. Senior guard Caleb Foster didn’t just go through the motions—he made it clear he’s ready to take ownership of this team.
From the opening whistle, Foster commanded the floor. He barked out defensive assignments, directed traffic in the half-court, and, when things got tight, took matters into his own hands with clutch shot-making. Teammates responded immediately, feeding off his energy and following his lead.
“It felt like he was the extension of the coaching staff out there,” one insider shared. “Every time things started to slip, Caleb was the one pulling guys back in.”
Head coach Jon Scheyer praised Foster afterward, noting that his maturity and confidence are exactly what this young Duke squad needs. “Caleb’s been through battles in this league,” Scheyer said. “What he showed today wasn’t just about making shots—it was about leading by example, keeping everyone locked in. That’s the kind of presence that wins games in March.”
With a roster stacked with talent—rising sophomores like Isaiah Evans and Patrick Ngongba II, along with freshmen such as Dame Sarr—the Blue Devils have no shortage of skill. But Foster’s ability to provide stability in the backcourt could be the key that ties it all together.
Teammates certainly took notice. One player was overheard saying, “When Caleb’s locked in, it just feels like we’re harder to beat.”
As Duke prepares for a grueling ACC season, leadership will be just as important as talent. And this week proved that Foster is ready to embrace that role. While the spotlight often falls on the new names in Durham, it was the veteran guard who reminded everyone why experience still matters.
