Don’t let the offseason fool you. What’s happening inside Duke’s summer practices isn’t just a warmup — it’s a message to the rest of college basketball: This team isn’t rebuilding. They’re reloading.
Sources close to the program describe the environment as intense, competitive, and way ahead of schedule. And if what’s happening behind closed doors is any indication, the rest of the NCAA better take notice.
The Freshmen Are Already Causing Problems
This year’s freshman class isn’t waiting for permission — they’re taking over.
Cameron Boozer, one of the most talked-about recruits in years, is already looking like a grown man in the paint. His blend of size, touch, and tenacity has made life difficult for even the veteran bigs during early scrimmages.
Nikolas Khamenia has become a matchup nightmare on the wing. His USA Basketball polish is showing in his shot selection, defensive versatility, and overall IQ — coaches are already experimenting with him in multiple lineups.
Meanwhile, Dame Sarr, the sharpshooting Italian import, is lighting it up from deep and refusing to back down in drills. One source said, “He’s already playing like someone who’s seen pro-level defense — and isn’t impressed by it.”
Sebastian Wilkins, despite reclassifying, has looked physically prepared for college ball. His length and motor are catching attention, and he’s reportedly earned a few first-unit reps. And don’t forget Cayden Boozer, who has quietly become one of the steadiest playmakers in the gym. His pace, poise, and leadership have impressed the coaching staff early.
Veterans Are Holding Their Ground
While the newcomers are earning headlines, the returners are far from quiet.
Isaiah Evans has come back more confident, stronger, and with a clear focus on becoming a two-way force. His activity in transition and commitment to guarding bigger wings has been a major positive.
Caleb Foster, now a junior, is setting the tone at point. He’s controlling tempo, calling out coverages, and attacking gaps with a sense of urgency that reflects his growth.
Maliq Brown has been one of the most physical players on the floor — rebounding, talking trash, and anchoring the defensive end. He’s become a vocal leader in competitive drills.
Patrick Ngongba II has made strides in conditioning and lateral quickness. One staff member called him “a totally different player” than last season — leaner, quicker, and more assertive.
Meanwhile, Darren Harris continues to be a sniper from deep, spacing the floor in 5-on-5 action, while Cameron Sheffield has brought toughness and effort — doing all the little things that win scrimmages. Even Spencer Hubbard, the 5-8 spark plug, has earned respect with his hustle, energy, and leadership in team huddles.
The Culture Shift Is Real
Jon Scheyer and his staff aren’t easing anyone in. This isn’t a “learn the system” summer — it’s a prove you belong summer.
Practices are structured for conflict: competitive drills, loud benches, and consequences for every possession. Turnovers get called out. Missed rotations don’t slide. There’s no “freshman grace period” — just next-play mentality and film room accountability.
Insiders say this has been one of the most competitive summer blocks the program has seen in years.
The Rest of the Country Should Be Nervous
This isn’t about whether Duke will be “good enough” come March.
This is about whether anyone else is keeping up right now.
From one of the deepest recruiting classes in the country to battle-tested returners stepping into new roles, the foundation being laid this summer has nothing to do with potential — and everything to do with intent.
The warning has been sent.
And it came straight from practice.
