Anyone still questioning how good this Duke basketball team could be might want to check the film from this week’s practice — because what happened inside Cameron’s gym left coaches, players, and even longtime staff members buzzing.
The level of competition, energy, and execution hit a new high. It wasn’t just a good day — it was the kind of practice that makes you realize something special is starting to form.
The Guards Took Over the Day
If you’ve been wondering whether Dame Sarr was ready to take command of Duke’s backcourt, he answered that question loud and clear. The sophomore guard played with poise, confidence, and edge — controlling the pace, attacking the rim, and drilling jumpers from everywhere.
Teammates say Sarr’s growth since last season has been “night and day.” One player put it simply: “He looks like a leader now.”
Caleb Foster backed that up with a steady, veteran-like performance of his own. His leadership in the scrimmage was obvious — calling out plays, talking on defense, and hitting big shots whenever the energy started to dip. When Foster and Sarr are in sync, Duke’s offense hums in a way few teams can match.
Isaiah Evans Is Finding His Groove
It’s no secret that Isaiah Evans has the talent to be a breakout player this season, but this week’s practice might have been his best yet. The 6-foot-7 wing was locked in on both ends — knocking down catch-and-shoot threes, running the floor, and bringing constant energy on defense.
Coaches say his confidence has skyrocketed, and it’s showing. One assistant described him as “the X-factor” — the guy who can change the flow of a game in a few possessions.
Ngongba Looks Like a Different Player
The most exciting development might be the play of Patrick Ngongba II, who has clearly leveled up. The sophomore big man dominated inside — rebounding in traffic, finishing through contact, and protecting the rim with force.
His conditioning and physicality have improved dramatically, and it’s changing the dynamic of Duke’s defense. In the scrimmage, Ngongba’s presence was so strong that the staff ran several sets through him late — something that would’ve been unthinkable last year.
“He’s not just reacting anymore,” one coach said. “He’s controlling the paint.”
A Team That Feels Connected
What stood out the most wasn’t a single player — it was the chemistry. Every possession was loud. Every stop was celebrated. When someone hit the floor for a loose ball, the entire bench erupted.
Jon Scheyer’s emphasis on togetherness is clearly paying off. This group communicates differently, trusts differently, and competes differently. They look like a team that’s beginning to believe in who they are.
If you had doubts about how good this Duke team could be, those doubts probably disappeared after this week.
Between Dame Sarr’s rise, Caleb Foster’s leadership, Isaiah Evans’ confidence, and Patrick Ngongba’s growth, this squad looks balanced, hungry, and ready.
The intensity is real, the buy-in is real — and the feeling around the program is that this team might be closer to elite form than anyone expected in October.
