From the outside, it looked like just another summer workout. The squeak of sneakers, the thud of the ball, and players running through familiar drills. But those who stayed and watched closely knew something was different. This wasn’t just practice — this was a blueprint unfolding.
Jon Scheyer has been quietly implementing a plan, one designed not just to prepare his players for the season, but to transform them. The tempo is faster — not just in transition, but in how they move, think, and react. Every possession starts with urgency. Every defensive stand is contested with grit.
Isaiah Evans has been one of the most noticeable standouts, attacking the rim with more confidence and showing sharper decision-making. Caleb Foster is thriving in Scheyer’s uptempo system, controlling the pace while also creating scoring chances for others. Maliq Brown, the veteran presence, is anchoring the defense, using his size and anticipation to disrupt plays.
And then there’s Patrick Ngongba II, whose physical presence in the paint is making every scrimmage battle a war. Darren Harris has been lethal from the perimeter, stretching defenses and opening lanes. Cameron Sheffield is bringing versatility, sliding seamlessly between guard and forward roles, while Spencer Hubbard continues to be the energy spark — the kind of guy who changes momentum with hustle alone.
The newcomers are also making their mark. Cameron Boozer is living up to the hype, dominating the glass and scoring with ease. His brother, Cayden Boozer, is proving to be a steady hand at point guard, controlling tempo like a seasoned veteran. Nikolas Khamenia is showing off his polished skillset, fitting perfectly into Scheyer’s motion offense. Dame Sarr, fresh from European basketball, is bringing smooth shooting and court vision. Sebastian Wilkins might be the biggest surprise, using his length and athleticism to make defensive plays all over the court.
The result? A team that’s already starting to look more dangerous than last season — and the season hasn’t even tipped off yet.
Scheyer’s not talking about it much. But if you’ve been watching closely, you can see it: his plan is already in motion. And if it keeps working like this, the rest of the conference might be in for a long, frustrating year.
