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Duke basketball’s first scrimmages of the preseason were more than just a casual display of athleticism for the fans inside the hallowed walls of Cameron Indoor Stadium—they were a glimpse into the soul of a team that is still forming its identity, one possession, one rotation, and one shout from the sideline at a time. As the Blue Devils took the floor in front of their loyal supporters, what unfolded was a layered narrative of youth meeting expectation, returning veterans asserting leadership, and newcomers daring to carve their names into Duke lore before their first official game.
From the moment the ball was tipped, it was evident that the energy was different. The fans, many of whom lined up outside hours in advance to witness the unofficial start of the season, brought a buzz that could be felt in every screech of sneakers and in every emphatic finish at the rim. The players, in turn, fed off the crowd, delivering the kind of spirited play that speaks to the program’s legacy of fire, precision, and pressure. This wasn’t just a practice. It was a preview of war.
Jon Scheyer’s fingerprints were everywhere. Entering his third season as head coach, the former Blue Devil point guard is no longer in the shadow of Mike Krzyzewski. Scheyer has clearly started shaping a vision that is uniquely his own—a hybrid style combining high-octane pace with defensive tenacity and a touch of creativity. That vision was evident in the way his players ran the floor, communicated in transition, and read off each other’s actions with fluidity that suggested chemistry is building fast. Scheyer, who paced the sideline with calm authority, paused play only when he saw teachable moments—something he’s become known for during his tenure so far. In those moments, the teaching wasn’t just about execution. It was about culture.
Returning players like Tyrese Proctor and Caleb Foster looked every bit the seasoned veterans Duke needs them to be. Proctor, who spent most of last season maturing through injury and adaptation, now looks poised to command the offense with poise and precision. He has grown more vocal, orchestrating plays with hand signals and shouts, pushing teammates to spots with urgency. His jumper looked more fluid, and his court vision—already elite—has found new layers. Whether it was a behind-the-back dime in transition or a no-look feed into the post, Proctor clearly sees plays two steps ahead of everyone else. That’s what makes him such a linchpin in Duke’s attack this season.
Caleb Foster, meanwhile, showcased the kind of physical development that doesn’t show up in stats but makes a massive difference over the course of a season. He’s stronger, more assertive with the ball, and his defense—once a question mark—is now a calling card. During a stretch in the second scrimmage, he locked down a pair of freshmen guards, forcing turnovers and converting those into easy buckets on the other end. It was a statement stretch, and it made clear that Foster intends to be more than a rotational piece—he wants to lead.
But for all the familiarity provided by the returnees, it was the freshmen who truly set the tone for the day. Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 overall recruit in the nation and arguably the most hyped Duke prospect since Zion Williamson, delivered on the anticipation and then some. From the moment he stepped onto the floor, Flagg had the presence of a player who knows he belongs—not just in college basketball, but among the best to wear the Duke jersey. His defensive instincts were otherworldly. Whether it was rotating from the weak side for a chase-down block or stripping a big man in the post without fouling, Flagg’s defensive I.Q. bordered on supernatural. Offensively, he didn’t force anything. He let the game come to him, dishing when doubled and attacking the rim with precision. His three-point shot looked smooth, and his handle—especially in pick-and-roll scenarios—suggested that Scheyer may give him significant on-ball responsibility early in the year.
Isaiah Evans, another freshman with a scorer’s mindset, showcased his knack for putting the ball in the basket. His first step is lightning quick, and once he’s downhill, he’s hard to stop. There were moments when Evans took over stretches of the scrimmage with pure aggression, pulling up from mid-range, attacking closeouts, and even throwing down a poster dunk that brought Cameron to its feet. His ability to create his own shot is something this Duke team will need in late-game scenarios, and Evans seems ready for that role already.
Big man Sean Stewart also had his moments, particularly on the glass. His timing, rebounding instincts, and willingness to go through contact suggest that he could become a physical presence that Duke needs in the paint. In one sequence, Stewart grabbed an offensive board in traffic, powered through two defenders, and finished with authority—an energy play that lit up the bench and the crowd alike.
Mark Mitchell, returning from injury, looked like a player with something to prove. His motor was high, and his willingness to take on tough defensive assignments showed that he’s ready to be a glue guy, a versatile two-way forward who can defend multiple positions and knock down the occasional three. Mitchell didn’t dominate the box score, but his fingerprints were on every hustle play—diving for loose balls, sprinting back on defense, and setting hard screens that freed up shooters. If he continues on this trajectory, Mitchell will be one of the most indispensable pieces of the roster.
The scrimmages also gave insight into how deep this team may actually be. Duke ran a variety of rotations, sometimes going small with Flagg at the four, and other times leaning big with Stewart and Mitchell sharing the floor. This versatility will be one of Scheyer’s biggest assets during the season, especially when navigating the rigorous ACC schedule or facing teams with unique personnel.
What was equally notable was how competitive the scrimmages were. This wasn’t a friendly tune-up for the cameras. Players went at each other with intensity, challenging shots, chirping after baskets, and competing like roles were still up for grabs. That kind of internal competition breeds greatness. And judging by the level of play, everyone in that gym—from walk-ons to projected lottery picks—knew that each possession mattered.
The atmosphere at Cameron was electric, even though the game didn’t count. That’s the power of Duke basketball—the fans understand that moments like this are part of the journey, that championships are built not just in March, but in August, in October, in practices where the scoreboard may not tell the full story. The chants, the drumline, the synchronized cheering—all of it gave the scrimmage a tournament-like atmosphere, and for the young players, especially the freshmen, it was the perfect introduction to the intensity that comes with wearing that Duke jersey.
Jon Scheyer addressed the crowd afterward, thanking them for their support and hinting at the season to come. His message was clear: the expectations are sky-high, and the standard remains unchanged. Duke plays to win championships. But they also play with heart, with brotherhood, and with the kind of grit that defines great teams. This team, still in its formative stages, already shows signs of having that edge.
There’s a long way to go before opening night, and plenty of questions remain—how will the rotation shake out? Can Flagg live up to the immense pressure? Will Proctor and Foster stay healthy and consistent? But one thing is certain after this opening scrimmage: this Duke team is hungry. They are talented, they are deep, and they are ready to defend the legacy of the program while building their own.
What stood out most wasn’t just the talent, though there was plenty of that. It was the cohesion, the trust, and the willingness to sacrifice. Players passed up good shots for great ones. They rotated on defense with urgency. They picked each other up after mistakes. These are the intangible traits that separate good teams from great ones.
The Cameron faithful saw something special, even if it was just a scrimmage. They saw a team that could very well be playing deep into March. They saw the birth of chemistry, the spark of greatness, and the continuation of a legacy that stretches decades. And if this scrimmage was any indication, the Blue Devils are ready to make another serious run at glory.
