In the ever-evolving world of college basketball, where the transfer portal and name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities tempt players to reevaluate their situations constantly, loyalty and commitment have become rare commodities. That’s what makes Caleb Foster’s decision to stay with the Duke Blue Devils all the more significant. And it’s exactly why head coach Jon Scheyer hasn’t hesitated to express his pride in Foster’s steadfastness. In an era when players jump ship at the first sign of adversity, Foster’s decision to stick with Duke despite a challenging freshman year sends a strong message about his character, his belief in the program, and the culture Scheyer is carefully building in Durham.
Foster arrived at Duke as a highly touted recruit—a consensus five-star prospect with offers from several powerhouse programs. At 6-foot-5, with a polished offensive game and a smooth shooting stroke, Foster was expected to make an immediate impact. Yet, as often happens when joining a roster full of elite talent, minutes were hard to come by. Duke’s backcourt was crowded, and while Foster showed flashes of brilliance during his freshman campaign, he didn’t have the breakout year many had predicted. For a player of his caliber, that kind of scenario often leads to second thoughts, to whispers about greener pastures elsewhere. But not for Foster.
Jon Scheyer, now entering his third season at the helm of one of college basketball’s most storied programs, understands the pressures that come with playing at Duke better than anyone. As a former player under Mike Krzyzewski, Scheyer not only lived it—he thrived in it. He knows the value of perseverance and the long-term payoff that can come from “staying the course,” a phrase he has used often in recent weeks when speaking about Foster’s development and decision to remain a Blue Devil.
“Caleb is the kind of player and person that makes Duke special,” Scheyer said recently. “He’s faced challenges, but instead of running away from them, he’s embraced them. That tells you a lot about who he is. I’m proud of how he’s staying the course.”
The concept of “staying the course” might sound simple, but in today’s college basketball landscape, it’s anything but. Between social media criticism, NIL distractions, and the seemingly endless options available in the transfer portal, young athletes are inundated with reasons to leave rather than to stay and develop. Foster, however, has shown maturity beyond his years. He has demonstrated that he’s willing to take the long view—not just chasing playing time, but understanding that growth sometimes comes slowly, in moments when no one is watching.
Foster’s freshman year was a mixed bag statistically. He averaged modest numbers and came off the bench in most games, but when given the opportunity, he often delivered. His three-point shooting was reliable, and his decision-making on the floor improved steadily. What impressed the coaching staff most, however, wasn’t what showed up on the stat sheet—it was his approach to practice, his willingness to learn, and his support for his teammates. That’s the kind of attitude that not only builds future stars but also strengthens team culture.
There was no shortage of speculation that Foster might test the waters of the transfer portal after the season. Multiple programs were believed to have interest, and given Foster’s pedigree, he likely would have been one of the most coveted guards on the market. But instead of exploring other options, Foster made it clear: he was committed to Duke. That decision didn’t just resonate with the coaching staff; it resonated with his teammates and with fans who have grown weary of seeing rosters turned over year after year.
Scheyer, who has already had to navigate high-profile transfers in and out of the program during his brief tenure, sees Foster’s commitment as a positive sign for the Blue Devils’ future. In many ways, it’s a validation of the culture he’s trying to establish—a culture not built solely on one-and-done talent, but on players who buy into the program, grow over time, and lead both on and off the court.
For Foster, staying means more than just basketball. He’s building relationships at Duke, developing trust with the coaching staff, and learning the nuances of the college game that will serve him well at the next level. The NBA isn’t going anywhere, and Foster knows that. But rather than rushing the process, he’s investing in it.
There’s a quiet strength to Foster’s demeanor—one that doesn’t scream for attention but earns respect through consistency and work ethic. In many ways, he embodies the kind of player Duke has historically built its program around. He might not be the flashiest name on the roster, but he’s becoming the kind of leader who will anchor a team during the most critical moments of the season.
As the Blue Devils prepare for the upcoming season, Foster figures to play a much more significant role. With departures from last year’s team and incoming freshmen still finding their footing, Foster’s experience and familiarity with Scheyer’s system give him an edge. He’s expected to take on more responsibilities—both as a scorer and a facilitator—and the coaching staff has full confidence that he’s ready.
“Every time we challenged him, he responded,” Scheyer said. “That’s what you want to see. He wants to be great, but he’s willing to put in the work to get there. That’s what separates him.”
Foster’s journey at Duke is just beginning, but it’s already shaping up to be one of perseverance, growth, and quiet leadership. He may not have had the instant star-making freshman season that some expected, but his story is far from over. In fact, it’s likely just getting good.
And for a coach like Jon Scheyer, who is tasked with maintaining Duke’s elite status while navigating the complexities of modern college basketball, players like Foster are invaluable. They’re reminders that talent is just part of the equation—that character, loyalty, and resilience matter just as much, if not more.
It would have been easy for Foster to leave. The allure of more minutes, a different system, or a fresh start is powerful. But instead, he chose to stay. He chose to bet on himself and on the people around him. That kind of decision doesn’t just benefit Caleb Foster—it benefits Duke basketball as a whole.
In a time when fans and analysts alike bemoan the lack of continuity in college sports, Foster’s decision serves as a breath of fresh air. It shows that development is still possible, that sticking with a program through ups and downs can still be the right move, and that not every player is looking for the quickest path to stardom.
For Scheyer, the message is clear: Foster is an example of what’s possible when trust and patience come together. He’s a building block for what Duke basketball is becoming under a new generation of leadership. And while his biggest moments in a Blue Devils jersey may still lie ahead, the choice he’s made now might be the one that defines his legacy.
As the new season draws closer, the spotlight will once again shine on Duke. Expectations will be high, as they always are. But in that locker room, among the names and faces vying for minutes and moments, there will be one player whose presence says more than stats or highlight reels ever could. Caleb Foster isn’t just staying at Duke—he’s staying the course. And for Jon Scheyer and the Blue Devils, that means everything.
