Duke senior guard Caleb Foster is entering the 2026-27 season with a renewed sense of purpose, and one of the biggest highlights of his summer came from an opportunity to train alongside one of the NBA’s elite stars, Jayson Tatum.
Earlier this summer, Foster had the privilege of working out with Tatum, the Boston Celtics forward and Duke’s chief basketball officer. For the young Blue Devil guard, the experience was about much more than getting on the court with a highly accomplished NBA player. It provided Foster with an opportunity to study the habits, preparation and mentality that have helped Tatum establish himself at the highest level of professional basketball.
Speaking on the Duke basketball mailbag podcast after the workout, Foster reflected positively on the experience and explained how much he valued being around Tatum.
“It was fun, man. Just thankful that I got to be around somebody with his caliber,” Foster said. “Obviously he’s one of the best players in the NBA, and just to see his habits and the way he works and how you approach the game. I learned a lot.”
For Foster, those lessons could prove particularly important as he prepares for his senior campaign at Duke. The Blue Devils are expected to enter the season with significant expectations, and Foster’s experience, shooting ability and familiarity with the program could make him an important piece of the team’s plans.
The summer has also given Foster an opportunity to learn from several players who have already experienced success beyond the college level. In addition to training with Tatum, Foster has worked out with Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jared McCain, who was his former teammate at Duke during the 2023-24 season.
That connection with McCain gives Foster another valuable perspective. McCain has continued his development after leaving Duke, while Foster has remained in Durham and worked toward becoming a more consistent and influential veteran presence for the Blue Devils.
Foster’s development will be closely watched heading into the new season. Last year, he started 30 games for Duke and averaged 8.3 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game. He also shot an impressive 39.8 percent from three-point range, demonstrating his ability to provide valuable perimeter spacing.
While his scoring numbers may not tell the entire story of his value, Foster’s experience and versatility give Duke another dependable option in the backcourt. His ability to knock down outside shots can create additional room for teammates, while his experience in high-level college basketball gives him an important role as one of the team’s veteran players.
The workout with Tatum could also help Foster sharpen the details of his game that do not always appear in a box score. Training alongside an NBA star allows a player to observe how a proven professional approaches preparation, repetition and decision-making. Those small habits can become significant advantages over the course of a long season.
For Foster, the experience appears to have reinforced the importance of preparation and consistency. Rather than simply focusing on the final results, he was able to see firsthand what goes into maintaining an elite standard.
That lesson could become one of the defining themes of Foster’s senior season.
Duke will need experienced players to help set the tone, particularly as the Blue Devils navigate the pressure that comes with competing for championships. Foster’s familiarity with the program, combined with the work he has put in during the offseason, gives him an opportunity to take another step forward.
His summer training with Tatum and McCain also highlights the strength of the basketball network surrounding Duke. Current players have opportunities to interact with accomplished alumni and program figures, gaining insight from athletes who have already reached the professional level.
For Foster, however, the challenge now is turning those experiences into production.
The lessons learned from Tatum will only matter if Foster can carry them into practices and games. With another season ahead of him, the senior guard has the opportunity to transform what he observed this summer into greater confidence, sharper decision-making and a stronger overall impact.
After spending the offseason learning from NBA-caliber talent, Foster enters his senior year with plenty of motivation.
And if the lessons from Tatum become visible on the court, Duke could benefit significantly from the growth of one of its most experienced guards.
