Duke Basketball Offers Sneak Peek at 2025-26 Squad During Open Practice, with Boozer Twins Stealing the Spotlight
College basketball in August? At Duke, that’s not just normal — it’s expected. With anticipation already building for the 2025–26 season, the Blue Devils threw open the doors of Cameron Indoor Stadium on Tuesday, inviting students and fans to get an early glimpse of Jon Scheyer’s newest squad. It was a packed and energized practice, complete with high-flying dunks, intense drills, and glimpses of the future stars set to carry the torch in Durham.
A year removed from a Final Four run that ended in heartbreak against Houston, the Blue Devils are reloading — not rebuilding. A massive Final Four banner now hangs above Coach K Court, marking the program’s return to national prominence and serving as a motivating symbol for the players stepping onto the floor. It’s a visual reminder of how close Duke came to another national championship — and how determined this new group is to finish the job.
The main attraction this year? The Boozer twins — Cameron and Cayden — whose arrival has sparked national buzz. Sons of Duke legend Carlos Boozer, the brothers have been hyped since middle school, and now they’re finally suiting up for the Blue Devils. Cam, a 6-foot-9 forward and consensus top-three recruit in the country, brings a blend of strength, skill, and IQ that already has NBA scouts salivating. Cayden, a dynamic guard, flashed impressive vision and pace during drills and scrimmages, hinting at a lethal backcourt pairing for the Blue Devils.
Fans roared every time Cam threw down a dunk or swatted a shot, and they were just as thrilled by Cayden’s court awareness and flashy passes. Despite being freshmen, the Boozers looked calm and composed — traits that bode well for their ability to contribute immediately. It’s clear they’re not just riding their father’s legacy; they’re determined to carve out their own.
But the Boozers weren’t the only ones drawing attention. Sophomore guard Caleb Foster looked sharp and confident, poised to take on a leadership role following the departure of Cooper Flagg to the NBA. Foster’s improved shooting and vocal presence stood out, and it appears the offseason has only added to his game. With a full year of experience under his belt, he may be the bridge between Duke’s youthful talent and its championship ambitions.
Scheyer also had the team run through new offensive sets, emphasizing ball movement and pace. He spoke afterward about creating a “positionless” system that lets multiple players initiate offense and stretch defenses. With athletes like Cam Boozer, Cayden, and returning forward Sean Stewart, the lineup will likely feature versatility and spacing — hallmarks of modern basketball.
The defensive energy during scrimmages was also noticeable. Assistant coaches could be heard barking out assignments as players communicated and rotated with discipline. Scheyer’s emphasis on defense was evident, perhaps inspired by how Houston’s suffocating defense derailed Duke’s title hopes last spring. The message was clear: to win in April, you need to defend in November — or, in this case, August.
The open practice was also a celebration of Duke’s unmatched culture. Former players like J.J. Redick and Nolan Smith were spotted courtside, chatting with fans and encouraging the young Blue Devils. The presence of legends past only reinforced the unique family atmosphere that continues to make Duke basketball a national powerhouse.
One notable moment came when the team paused to acknowledge the legacy of Coach Mike Krzyzewski. A standing ovation erupted from the crowd as a short video tribute played on the scoreboard, reminding everyone that Duke’s success — past and present — rests on the foundation he built.
For fans, Tuesday’s open practice wasn’t just about watching drills or seeing how new players fit in — it was about renewing hope. Every new season starts with questions, dreams, and possibilities. And while March is still seven months away, the excitement at Cameron Indoor felt like tournament time already. The journey to Phoenix for the 2026 Final Four has begun.
