DUKE’S SUMMER SHOWSTOPPERS: 3 Rising Stars Setting the Tone for Greatness
As Duke basketball heads into the 2025‑26 seasons under Jon Scheyer, the summer workouts have already sent a clear message: this Blue Devils team is more than just reloading — it’s reinventing itself. With coaching, intensity, and a focus on developing key returners and freshmen, Duke is already turning heads during the offseason.
Here are three players currently standing out in the summer gym — delivering performances that hint at a major leap ahead.
1. Caleb Foster – Anchoring the Offense with Poise and Purpose
Caleb Foster, now a junior, has firmly seized control of Duke’s backcourt. After a challenging sophomore year, he returned to Durham this summer with renewed focus and confidence. Reports from practice say Foster is running the offense with precision — controlling tempo, navigating pick-and-rolls, and showing improved decision-making.
Efforts in practice include tighter ball handling, smarter shot selection, and increased defensive intensity. One coach reportedly noted, “He’s not just reacting anymore — he’s making things happen.” With returning upperclassman leadership, Foster is on track to be the engine of Duke’s 2025‑26 squad.
2. Cameron Boozer – A Freshman Phenomenon Already Dominating
It may only be summer, but freshman Cameron Boozer is already producing highlight-worthy moments. In scrimmage action, Boozer has flashed a rare blend of size, skill, and touch — draining threes, showing soft post moves, and delivering impressive passes from the low block.
Described as a “grown man in the paint” despite his freshman status, Boozer’s early play has the Duke program buzzing. With his athleticism and versatility, he has the look and feel of a future one-and-done star.
3. Dame Sarr – The Unsung Freshman Gaining Trust Fast
Among the standout newcomers is Italian wing Dame Sarr, who joined Duke in late May after playing in Europe. Despite arriving later than his fellow freshmen, his impact has been immediate. Known for his professional polish, range shooting, and defensive versatility, Sarr has quickly earned praise from coaches and teammates.
Sarr is carving out space in the rotation alongside Evans and Khamenia, showing he might be the breakout role player Duke badly needs.
The New Blueprint Behind Duke’s Practice Philosophy
Here’s what’s making summer sessions in Durham different:
Speed, physicality, and depth are the new pillars — every drill is timed, and every possession matters.
Practice scrimmages are treated like full-speed games with quick shot clocks and winners/losers for extra conditioning.
Accountability is non‑negotiable — complacency is weeded out quickly. As one insider put it, “You’re either built for this — or not.”
Additional Notes on Key Contributors
Isaiah Evans: The sharpshooting sophomore is working to sharpen his perimeter defense as he takes on a larger scoring role next season.
Nikolas Khamenia & Sebastian Wilkins: Freshman wings already integrating quickly, with impressive shot-making and size.
Maliq Brown: The returning forward is not only rehabbing strongly from injury but has already identified Sarr as a key rising teammate.
Patrick Ngongba II: The 6’11” sophomore center is seen in a walking boot — raising concerns about his availability and the continued importance of Duke’s big-man rotation.
Why It Matters Now
With Duke hosting a free open practice on August 5 — with admission for the first 5,000 fans — what’s being seen in summer previews could very well translate into a high-voltage season kickoff.
This team is not only reshuffling its roster — it’s reaffirming a culture of development over drama, speed over flash, and depth over hype. For Blue Devil fans, this offseason feels like reloading with purpose.
These three players — Foster, Boozer, and Sarr — are turning practice into a platform for leadership, breakout skill, and program identity. Paired with Duke’s summer ethos of no excuses, high standards, and relentless pace, it’s clear why the rest of college basketball is watching.
This Blue Devils team isn’t just preparing. They’re making a statement.
