For the past few seasons, Duke basketball has relied heavily on talent and athleticism to carry them through. But this summer, something subtle but powerful shifted in practice — the Blue Devils are now running a full-blown pro-style offense. The system is slower, smarter, and built for execution. And from the way things look, it’s already unlocking this team’s potential in a brand-new way.
Caleb Foster is at the heart of the shift. The junior guard has taken total control of the offense, not just as a scorer but as a decision-maker. He’s reading coverages like a veteran, calling out sets, and orchestrating actions with the kind of poise that scouts love to see. The chemistry he’s developing with Maliq Brown in the two-man game — especially out of high pick-and-rolls — has been one of the most consistent weapons in camp.
Then there’s Dame Sarr, the freshman who’s quickly becoming more than just a rotation option — he’s thriving in the spacing and structure. The pro-style sets are giving him clean lanes to create, and he’s showing off his passing touch and pull-up ability in ways that caught even the staff off guard. In short: the offense looks tailor-made for him.
Isaiah Evans is another big winner. In a system built on movement and spacing, his natural slashing and catch-and-shoot game have come alive. With more emphasis on off-ball action and reads, he’s finding easier buckets — and looking more confident with every touch.
This isn’t about flash anymore. It’s about precision, execution, and putting players in NBA-style roles that highlight their strengths. And if this system continues to click the way it has in practice, Duke might not just be building a great college team — they might be building future pros.
So yes, one adjustment can change everything. And for Duke, this might be the one that makes all the difference.
