Every offseason, a few players make noticeable improvements. But every once in a while, a player takes such a massive leap that he completely changes the outlook of an entire season.
That may be exactly what’s happening at Duke right now.
As the Blue Devils continue their summer workouts, one name has started generating serious buzz around the program: John Blackwell.
When Blackwell arrived in Durham after transferring from Wisconsin, most expected him to be a valuable addition. Few expected him to immediately look like one of the most dominant players on the floor.
Yet that’s exactly what has reportedly happened.
Sources around the program have been impressed by Blackwell’s ability to create his own offense, attack defenders, and bring a relentless competitive edge to every workout. His combination of strength, confidence, and scoring ability has made him one of the toughest covers on the roster.
What stands out most is the energy he brings.
Whether it’s full-court drills, scrimmages, or shooting sessions, Blackwell has consistently played with a level of intensity that has caught the attention of teammates and coaches alike. That mentality is helping establish a culture of competitiveness throughout the program.
For head coach Jon Scheyer, that’s exactly the kind of presence Duke needs heading into the 2025-26 season.
The Blue Devils lost several key contributors and NBA-caliber talents, creating opportunities for new stars to emerge. While returning guard Caleb Foster has embraced a leadership role and continues to impress as the team’s veteran floor general, Blackwell’s emergence may be the development that changes Duke’s ceiling.
His ability to score from all three levels gives the Blue Devils another offensive weapon capable of taking over games. He can attack the rim, knock down perimeter shots, and create opportunities for teammates when defenses collapse.
And he’s not the only player making noise.
Sophomore wing Dame Sarr continues to develop into one of Duke’s premier two-way players, while center Patrick Ngongba II has shown significant growth in his offensive skill set. Freshman forward Cameron Williams has also impressed with his athleticism and physicality.
Still, the loudest buzz from summer workouts continues to surround Blackwell.
The scary part?
He’s still getting comfortable.
Learning a new system, building chemistry with teammates, and adjusting to a new environment takes time. If Blackwell is already performing at this level during offseason workouts, many believe his best basketball is still ahead of him.
Summer headlines don’t always translate directly into regular-season success.
But every championship contender usually has a player who makes a massive leap before the season begins.
For Duke, that player may be John Blackwell.
And if these early workouts are any indication, the Blue Devils may have unleashed a monster that nobody saw coming.
