For weeks, Duke has been slotted comfortably inside the preseason Top 10, a team expected to contend but not necessarily dominate. But after the Blue Devils released behind-the-scenes practice film this week, the national conversation might need a serious adjustment.
The clips showed a level of intensity and balance that went beyond hype. Instead of relying solely on the star power of guards like Caleb Foster and Isaiah Evans, Duke’s roster flashed depth, chemistry, and the kind of defensive energy that makes coaches salivate in October.
Foster Looks Like a Senior Leader
The film highlighted Caleb Foster controlling pace, keeping Duke’s offense organized, and hitting contested shots in late-clock situations. Foster looked less like a player trying to secure minutes and more like a guard embracing the role of a steadying veteran.
“He’s not just scoring—he’s talking, directing, and demanding effort,” one coach said. “That’s the kind of leadership we’ve been waiting to see.”
Ngongba and Brown Own the Interior
The duo of Patrick Ngongba II and Maliq Brown might quietly be the most overlooked pairing in the ACC. In practice footage, they clogged the paint, altered shots, and turned defensive rebounds into instant transition opportunities. Their physicality suggests Duke will no longer be bullied inside, a criticism that haunted them last season.
Freshmen Flash Early
Then there’s the young talent. Dame Sarr, Duke’s highly touted freshman guard, showcased the shot-making that made him a recruiting prize. More importantly, he didn’t force the issue—his patience stood out as much as his scoring. Meanwhile, wing Coen Carr, a transfer addition, brought relentless energy, diving for loose balls and turning broken plays into highlight dunks.
The Takeaway: Depth and Edge
What makes Duke so intriguing isn’t just talent, but options. Lineups can shift between big and physical, or small and fast-paced. The defense looks nastier, the rebounding sharper, and the offense more versatile than pundits predicted.
That’s why some inside the program believe the rankings are underselling what’s brewing. The Blue Devils may not care about being picked third, fourth, or even fifth in preseason polls—because the film suggests they have the makings of a team that could play like a true No. 1 seed.
As one observer put it after watching:
“Forget the rankings. This group has the tools to overwhelm people once the real games start.”
