Summer Practices Hint at a Rare Combination of Talent, Fit, and Chemistry in Durham
Something feels different in Durham. Duke’s summer practices aren’t being dominated by just one or two headlines — they’re being defined by balance. For the first time in years, the Blue Devils have a roster that doesn’t feel stacked at the top and thin at the bottom. Instead, every position has depth, and every role seems to have a player who fits it. It’s early, sure — but if this continues, Jon Scheyer may have his most complete group yet.
The foundation starts with the returners. Caleb Foster has matured into the steady hand Duke needs at point guard. He’s making smart reads, controlling pace, and keeping the ball moving. Isaiah Evans, once known mostly for athletic upside, has added polish to his game — especially on the defensive end. And Maliq Brown, the transfer from Virginia Tech, has instantly become the locker room’s tone-setter. His energy, toughness, and leadership are hard to miss during scrimmages.
In the frontcourt, Patrick Ngongba II looks like a breakout candidate. The sophomore center has come back stronger and more confident, anchoring the paint and finishing plays with authority. Meanwhile, role players like Darren Harris and Cameron Sheffield have been consistent shot-makers in practice, giving Duke valuable perimeter options. Even veteran guard Spencer Hubbard continues to make an impact with his effort, communication, and leadership in drills — the kind of presence every program needs.
Then there’s the freshman class — and it’s loaded with both talent and fit. Cameron Boozer is living up to his top-prospect billing. He’s strong, skilled, and already playing with a college-level motor. His twin brother Cayden Boozer brings control and IQ at point guard, rarely making the same mistake twice. Dame Sarr might be the biggest story so far. The Italian wing is showing defensive versatility, shooting range, and a calm confidence that’s earned him extended reps with the first unit. Add in Nikolas Khamenia and reclassified forward Sebastian Wilkins, and you have a class that’s not just talented — it’s layered.
What sets this group apart is its flexibility. Scheyer can go big with Ngongba and Boozer, or small with Sarr and Evans on the wings. He can deploy shooting-heavy lineups with Harris, or lean into defense with Brown and Khamenia. There’s no one-dimensional feel here — Duke finally has options without sacrificing cohesion. And perhaps most importantly, there’s no visible ego war. Players seem locked into competing, not just coexisting.
If early practices are any clue, this is the kind of roster championship runs are built on — not the flashiest group, but one where every piece matters. There’s a sense that the days of “too many mouths to feed” might be over. In its place? A Duke team that plays connected, defends together, and can win in more than one way. The hype might be quieter this time around… but the ceiling? It might be even higher.
