The summer months in Durham have been anything but quiet for the Duke Blue Devils men’s basketball program. With a fresh strength and conditioning regime, emerging leaders in the locker room, and one of the most talented freshmen in the nation arriving on campus, there’s a sense that something special is brewing for the upcoming season.
A New Era in the Weight Room
When longtime Duke strength coach William Stephens announced his retirement earlier this offseason, there were immediate questions about who could possibly fill his shoes. Head coach Jon Scheyer wasted no time in answering those doubts, prying away Preston Greene from Clemson—a move that has already proven to be a game-changer.
Greene is widely recognized as one of the most respected and effective strength and conditioning coaches in all of college athletics. Known for his high-intensity, functional training methods, Greene has brought a new energy and a distinct culture to Duke’s training sessions. One of his most talked-about additions has been “Strongman Fridays,” a weekly team event that pushes players both physically and mentally.
During these sessions, players can be seen pushing cars down the street, flipping massive tractor tires, carrying heavy sandbags, and completing other challenging feats of strength. It’s more than just a workout—it’s a bonding experience. The players train side-by-side, encouraging and motivating one another through the toughest moments. Freshman forward Isaiah Evans put it best: “It’s scientifically proven that people can reach higher levels when they do things as part of a group of believers.” That belief has translated into visible results.
Isaiah Evans: A Case Study in Transformation
Evans himself has been a standout example of Greene’s impact. Known in high school for his scoring touch and smooth athleticism, Evans has now added a new level of physicality to his game. Reports from recent scrimmages indicate that Evans has packed on noticeable muscle mass over the summer.
The change hasn’t just been cosmetic—it’s been functional. During a recent intrasquad scrimmage, Evans was seen holding his own in the post against 6’10 powerhouse Cameron Boozer, a feat that would have been far more difficult a few months ago. That kind of growth hints at the broader transformation happening across the roster. Expect Duke to enter the season as one of the most physical and durable teams in the nation.
The Cameron Boozer Buzz
Speaking of Boozer, the freshman forward might be the most talented newcomer in the country—if not for the fact that Duke had Cooper Flagg lighting up Durham just last season. Boozer, however, brings a different kind of presence. Standing 6’10 and weighing over 230 pounds, he blends size, skill, and versatility in a way that few players at any level can match.
The son of former NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer, Cameron arrives with elite basketball pedigree and an already-polished game. In open practices and scrimmage footage, Boozer has shown an impressive array of skills: knocking down step-back three-pointers, serving as the primary playmaker in pick-and-roll sets, and dominating with his back to the basket when needed.
Much like Flagg last year, Boozer will be the focal point of Duke’s offense. The difference? Boozer brings significantly more size and physical strength to that role. Coaches, teammates, and scouts alike believe he will be nearly impossible to guard in the ACC. In fact, early predictions have him as a runaway favorite for ACC Rookie of the Year.
A Season of High Expectations
Between Greene’s transformative strength program, the physical development of players like Evans, and the immediate star power of Cameron Boozer, Duke enters the new season with expectations as high as ever. This year’s Blue Devils won’t just be a skilled and talented group—they’ll be bigger, stronger, and more cohesive than in recent years.
If the summer is any indication, Duke isn’t just preparing to win games—they’re building a team capable of imposing their will from the opening tip to the final buzzer.
