Something subtle is happening in Durham — and everyone’s picking up on it.
Duke’s summer practices have revealed one unmistakable shift: the pace.
This team isn’t walking through drills or jogging through sets. From the moment the first whistle blows, it’s full speed. Full pressure. Full throttle.
And the guys setting the tone? Isaiah Evans and Caleb Foster. The returning duo has been relentless — pushing the tempo, attacking the rim, and bringing a controlled fire that’s contagious.
A Practice That Moves Like a Game
The energy is real. When Cayden Boozer gets the ball in transition, the entire practice gym shifts into gear. He’s not just distributing — he’s attacking downhill like a veteran. Add in his brother Cameron Boozer, a walking mismatch in the open floor, and Duke’s new-look transition game looks scary.
Dame Sarr, the Italian wing from FC Barcelona, has already shown off his Euro-style fluidity. He’s reading the floor like a seasoned pro — cutting, slashing, and knocking down shots without hesitation.
Meanwhile, Nikolas Khamenia is quietly becoming one of the most versatile pieces on the floor. His ability to switch, shoot, and defend across multiple positions is exactly what Duke needs for this up-tempo identity.
The Bigs Are All In
Don’t sleep on the frontcourt. Patrick Ngongba II has trimmed down and looks quicker than ever. He’s flying up the floor and cleaning the glass like a man on a mission.
And then there’s Maliq Brown, the bruising forward with senior urgency. Every possession he touches ends with physicality — whether it’s a hard screen, a putback dunk, or a chest-to-chest stop on defense.
Sebastian Wilkins, despite being one of the youngest players on the roster, isn’t playing like a freshman. He’s been fearless — attacking drills with a chip on his shoulder and earning plenty of sideline praise from the coaching staff.
Veteran Vibes + Freshman Fire
Even the program’s veterans are adapting. Darren Harris has become a lethal spot-up shooter in transition, while Cameron Sheffield is giving Duke size and switchability on the wing. And don’t overlook Spencer Hubbard — the undersized guard who’s running scout team reps at full tilt and barking commands like a floor general.
This summer isn’t just about workouts. It’s about message.
And that message is loud: Duke isn’t just trying to win. They’re trying to outrun and outwork everybody.
