Inside Duke’s Preseason Chess Match: Can Jon Scheyer Solve His Starting Five Puzzle Before Tip-Off — Or Will a Surprise Star Emerge?
Durham, N.C. — The lights are still weeks away from shining on Cameron Indoor Stadium, but inside Duke’s practice gym, the battle for a spot in Jon Scheyer’s starting five is already being fought possession by possession.
On paper, the Blue Devils’ 2025-26 roster looks like one of the deepest and most versatile units Scheyer has had since taking over from Mike Krzyzewski. With highly touted freshmen Cameron Boozer, Isaiah Evans, and Patrick Ngongba blending in with returning standouts like Caleb Foster and Dame Sarr, the talent is undeniable. But figuring out who starts — and in what combinations — has become a preseason puzzle worthy of a chess grandmaster.
Scheyer admits it’s both a blessing and a challenge.
“We’ve got multiple guys who could start anywhere in the country,” Scheyer said after Tuesday’s practice. “The key is finding the right mix — guys who complement each other on both ends of the floor.”
The “Almost Locks”
Boozer, Evans, and Ngongba are widely expected to hear their names called in the starting introductions. Boozer, the No. 1 recruit in the nation, has shown a poise beyond his years and a rare ability to create for others while still being a scoring threat. Evans’ smooth shooting and length on defense make him a natural fit on the wing, while Ngongba’s interior presence and rebounding instincts give Duke an anchor in the paint.
The remaining two spots, however, are far from settled.
Foster vs. the Field at Point Guard
Caleb Foster has been one of the biggest stories of Duke’s offseason. After a freshman year filled with flashes but marred by inconsistency, Foster has returned to campus with renewed confidence. Coaches say he’s sharper, more vocal, and playing downhill with purpose.
But there’s a wrinkle — Cameron Boozer’s twin brother, Cayden, is already pushing him hard in practice. While Foster’s experience is an advantage, Cayden’s high-IQ playmaking and natural leadership are hard to ignore. It’s a friendly rivalry, but one that could go right up until opening night.
“Iron sharpens iron,” Foster said with a grin when asked about the competition. “At the end of the day, whoever starts, we’re both going to make each other better.”
The Wild Card Wing Spot
The final starting slot — potentially the shooting guard or small forward position, depending on lineups — is where things get even murkier. Dame Sarr’s versatility makes him an appealing option, but some believe his energy and scoring punch might make him more valuable as a sixth man, much like Mike Dunleavy in his freshman year.
Other names in the mix include sharpshooter Darren Harris, passing specialist Nik Khamenia, and the bruising, high-motor Sebastian Wilkins. Then there’s Maliq Brown, who has the size and defensive instincts to share time with Ngongba in the frontcourt, giving Scheyer flexibility with bigger lineups.
The Preseason Test
Duke’s upcoming scrimmages and closed-door exhibitions will likely determine the final five. Scheyer is known for valuing chemistry over raw talent in his starting units, meaning a less-heralded player who fits the puzzle just right could sneak into the lineup.
One assistant coach hinted that fans might be in for a surprise:
“You’ll see some combinations in November that nobody’s talking about right now,” he said. “That’s the beauty of this group — the options are endless.”
Why It Matters
With a non-conference schedule featuring early tests against blue bloods and a stacked ACC waiting in the wings, getting the starting five right isn’t just about style points. It could determine whether Duke opens the season with momentum or faces early growing pains.
For now, the chessboard is set, the pieces are moving, and the battle lines are drawn. The only certainty? In a program where every practice rep matters, every player knows that one great week in October could change their season — and possibly Duke’s championship hopes.
