Unconventional. Relentless. Game-Changing.
The SEC might not be ready for what Jon Scheyer is cooking in Durham.
When word started circulating about Duke’s summer practices this offseason, rival coaches didn’t shrug. They flinched.
“Is this even legal?” one high-major assistant coach reportedly muttered after getting a glimpse of Duke’s new practice setup. What they saw wasn’t just different—it was disruptive. And it’s turning heads for all the right (or terrifying) reasons.
Jon Scheyer isn’t easing into a rebuild or resting on the success of last season’s Final Four. He’s detonating convention. Gone are the scripted, coach-led reps. Instead, practices are built on chaotic, game-simulated environments where players are forced to adapt—or fall behind.
From 4-on-5 reaction drills to film breakdowns that jump straight into live action, Duke’s approach is less about control and more about creativity. Every possession is a puzzle, and players are challenged to solve it in real time.
> “They’re getting more done in one practice than some teams do in a whole week,” said one league scout. “It’s faster, more fluid… and way harder to defend.”
Who’s Thriving in the Chaos?
With Cooper Flagg off to the NBA, this new-look Duke squad is already forging its own identity—and a few names are separating themselves from the pack.
Isaiah Evans, the sophomore wing who passed on the NBA Draft, looks like the heartbeat of the team. He’s smoother, more assertive, and playing like someone who knows it’s his team now. One staffer called him “a matchup nightmare that we finally unleashed.”
Caleb Foster, the junior guard, has taken command of the backcourt. His decision-making, perimeter defense, and floor leadership are making him indispensable in Duke’s uptempo, read-and-react system.
Maliq Brown, the senior forward, is anchoring things defensively and proving to be one of the most valuable passers on the team. He’s the connective tissue—the one doing all the little things that don’t show up in highlights but win games.
Patrick Ngongba II, back after a breakout postseason, is owning the paint. His strength, timing, and improved footwork are giving Duke a serious interior presence on both ends.
And don’t sleep on Darren Harris. With more minutes up for grabs, the sophomore guard is making his case with sharp shooting and tighter on-ball defense.
The Freshmen Are Already Stirring the Pot
The newcomers haven’t wasted time.
Cameron Boozer is exactly what the hype promised: powerful, polished, and fearless. Even against older teammates, he’s asserting himself on both ends of the floor.
Dame Sarr, the international phenom, might be the biggest surprise—a shot-creator with elite feel and poise. One insider said, “He’s adapting faster than any freshman we’ve had in years.”
Nikolas Khamenia is standing out with his two-way play. His defensive instincts and high release have made him one of the most “plug-and-play ready” freshmen on the roster.
Sebastian Wilkins brings a physical edge at 6’8″, with the versatility to switch across multiple positions. His energy in scrimmages has already caught the attention of the coaching staff.
Cayden Boozer, while less flashy than his brother, is showing serious poise as a lead guard—keeping the offense calm even in high-intensity moments.
Eyes on the SEC
Though the move to the SEC is still a year away, word is spreading—and some coaches down South are already spooked. The rumors around Duke’s practices have become required scouting material in SEC war rooms.
And what they’re seeing isn’t something that can be copied.
> “It’s not just drills or schemes,” one coach admitted. “It’s a mindset. Scheyer has these guys thinking and reacting like pros—and that’s terrifying.”
