The Duke Blue Devils have long been synonymous with excellence in college basketball, a program built on a foundation of legendary coaches, transcendent talent, and a relentless pursuit of championships. As the 2024-2025 season approaches, the narrative surrounding Jon Scheyer’s squad is one of resurgence—a perfect storm of returning experience and electrifying new arrivals that has positioned Duke as a bona fide title contender. At the heart of this resurgence are the pivotal returns of Maliq Brown and Caleb Foster, two veterans whose decisions to come back to Durham have solidified Duke’s roster amid an influx of elite freshmen. Their presence not only bridges the gap between youth and experience but also elevates the team’s ceiling, ensuring that the Blue Devils have the leadership, toughness, and skill necessary to compete for a national championship.
Maliq Brown’s return is a game-changer for Duke’s frontcourt. After a breakout season in which he established himself as one of the most versatile defenders in the ACC, Brown’s decision to withdraw from the NBA Draft and return for another year provides the Blue Devils with an anchor on both ends of the floor. Standing at 6’8” with a relentless motor, Brown is the epitome of a modern big man—capable of switching onto guards, protecting the rim, and finishing with authority around the basket. His defensive instincts are unparalleled, often turning games with his ability to generate steals and disrupt opposing offenses. Last season, Brown led the team in rebounds and steals while shooting an efficient 62% from the field, numbers that underscore his impact as a two-way force.
But Brown’s value extends beyond statistics. His toughness and work ethic set the tone for the entire team, embodying the kind of blue-collar mentality that Duke has historically thrived upon. With a roster featuring several highly touted freshmen, including the likes of Cooper Flagg and Khaman Maluach, Brown’s veteran presence will be critical in acclimating the newcomers to the rigors of college basketball. His ability to mentor the young big men—particularly Flagg, who arrives as the nation’s top recruit—will be invaluable in ensuring a seamless transition. Brown’s leadership by example, both in practice and in games, will help instill the defensive discipline and unselfishness that define championship teams.
Similarly, Caleb Foster’s return to the backcourt provides Duke with a steadying hand in a backcourt that will feature both youth and explosiveness. Foster, who showed flashes of brilliance as a sophomore before his season was cut short by injury, is a poised and skilled guard capable of playing both on and off the ball. His basketball IQ, combined with his ability to shoot from deep and facilitate for others, makes him an ideal complement to Duke’s dynamic freshman guards. Foster’s experience in high-pressure situations—having played meaningful minutes in the NCAA Tournament as a freshman—gives him a level of composure that will be crucial in tight games.
Foster’s development as a primary ball-handler will be key for Duke, especially as the team looks to replace the playmaking void left by Jeremy Roach’s departure. His ability to run the offense, make smart decisions, and knock down open shots will alleviate pressure on the freshmen, allowing them to play freely within the system. Moreover, Foster’s defensive versatility—he can guard multiple positions—adds another layer of flexibility to Duke’s lineup, enabling Scheyer to experiment with different combinations depending on matchups.
The returns of Brown and Foster are even more significant when considering the influx of new talent arriving in Durham. Cooper Flagg, the crown jewel of Duke’s recruiting class, is a generational prospect with the potential to redefine the program. His combination of size, skill, and defensive prowess has drawn comparisons to some of the game’s all-time greats, and his presence alone elevates Duke’s championship aspirations. Alongside Flagg, Khaman Maluach—a 7’2” center with elite shot-blocking ability—adds a dominant rim protector, while guards Isaiah Evans and Kon Knueppel bring scoring punch and perimeter shooting.
Yet, as history has shown, talent alone does not guarantee success in college basketball. The most successful teams are those that blend elite ability with experience, chemistry, and leadership. This is where Brown and Foster become indispensable. Their familiarity with Scheyer’s system, their understanding of the demands of ACC play, and their ability to mentor the younger players will be the glue that holds the team together. In a sport where March success often hinges on poise under pressure, having veterans who have been through the battles before can make all the difference.
The 2024-2025 Duke Blue Devils are shaping up to be a team with no glaring weaknesses. They have size, athleticism, shooting, defensive versatility, and depth—all the ingredients of a championship-caliber squad. But what truly sets them apart is the balance between youth and experience. While the freshmen will undoubtedly provide the highlight-reel moments and star power, it will be the steady contributions of Brown and Foster that ensure consistency throughout the grueling season. Their willingness to embrace leadership roles, to do the dirty work, and to set the standard for professionalism will resonate throughout the locker room.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on how this Duke team navigates the highs and lows of a long campaign. There will be nights when the freshmen carry the scoring load, and there will be nights when the veterans step up to make the winning plays. But the beauty of this roster lies in its collective strength—the synergy between established players and new arrivals, each pushing the other toward a common goal.
For Jon Scheyer, the challenge will be harnessing this potential and molding it into a cohesive unit. But with Maliq Brown and Caleb Foster leading the way, he has the foundation upon which greatness can be built. The resurgent Blue Devils are not just reloading; they are poised to reclaim their place atop college basketball. And with a veteran core guiding the way, the journey back to the pinnacle of the sport looks more promising than ever.
