“Early Takeaways from Duke Basketball’s Summer Scrimmage — Key Blue Devils Standouts Emerge Ahead of 2025-26 Season”

The energy in Cameron Indoor Stadium may have been less electric than usual during Duke’s recent summer scrimmage, but the performance on the court still delivered the kind of drama, promise, and intrigue that fuels expectations heading into the 2025–26 college basketball season. While there were no official referees, no fans crowding into the bleachers, and certainly no national television cameras, the Blue Devils’ internal exhibition offered a raw and revealing glimpse into the potential of a team loaded with talent, young and experienced alike. In the aftermath of a strong offseason of recruiting and retention, head coach Jon Scheyer’s program looks primed for another run at national contention, and this early summer tune-up only solidified that belief.

From the first possession, it became clear that this is not a Duke team built on a single star but rather a collection of versatile, high-IQ players who each bring something unique to the court. The scrimmage may have been split-squad style, but the chemistry between units remained surprisingly fluid. Players moved the ball with precision, trusted one another in transition, and responded to defensive pressure with poise. That’s not something easily taught in the dog days of summer — it’s a sign of deep buy-in from the players and a coaching staff that has successfully set the tone early.

Among the most notable takeaways was the leadership presence of sophomore point guard Caleb Foster. After flashes of brilliance during his freshman campaign, Foster looks like he’s taken a significant leap in terms of both physicality and confidence. He operated with poise in the halfcourt, ran the pick-and-roll with smooth decision-making, and showed a noticeably improved shooting stroke from beyond the arc. Perhaps most importantly, he displayed command of the team on both ends, vocally directing teammates and pushing the pace when opportunities arose. Foster seems ready to seize the keys to this Duke offense, and if this scrimmage was any indication, he could be among the ACC’s top floor generals this season.

Another standout was freshman phenom Khamari Anderson, whose five-star pedigree was on full display throughout the afternoon. The 6-foot-7 wing possesses a rare blend of athleticism and polish, and he wasted no time asserting himself with a series of explosive drives, smooth mid-range pull-ups, and one emphatic two-handed dunk in traffic that had even assistant coaches clapping from the sidelines. What’s perhaps most impressive about Anderson is his composure; he never forced the issue, always appeared aware of spacing, and rotated well on defense. It’s rare to see a freshman this dialed in, this early. With the way he’s already acclimating to the college game, Anderson could play a pivotal role in Duke’s success, especially as the season progresses into ACC play.

Not to be overshadowed, veteran forward Mark Mitchell brought a workmanlike consistency to the scrimmage that should comfort any fan worried about the physical battles of conference play. Mitchell’s size, strength, and versatility allow him to impact the game in myriad ways. He cleaned up the glass, defended multiple positions, and consistently made the right reads from the high post. There were no flashy plays from the junior forward, but that’s not what this scrimmage was about for him. His experience showed in the way he communicated on defense and helped the younger players get into position. Mitchell may not grab headlines, but his steady presence could become the backbone of a very young rotation.

One player who may well be in line for a breakout campaign is sophomore big man Sean Stewart. While he saw limited minutes during his freshman season, Stewart looked like a different player in this scrimmage — more confident, more mobile, and far more assertive. He ran the floor with purpose, established deep post position, and finished through contact on several occasions. Stewart’s defensive instincts also stood out; he was a vocal rim protector, altered shots, and showed improved timing when defending the pick-and-roll. With more opportunities likely coming his way this season, Stewart’s emergence could give Duke the kind of interior presence that complements its guard-heavy attack.

Of course, a scrimmage like this isn’t just about the big names or flashy freshmen — it’s also about unheralded contributors stepping into bigger roles. One such name is junior guard Jaden Schutt, who quietly turned in one of the most efficient performances of the day. Known for his shooting prowess, Schutt knocked down several three-pointers from various spots on the floor, often off of movement and within the flow of the offense. But beyond his shot-making, Schutt’s off-ball movement, defensive hustle, and communication stood out. He looks more comfortable in his body, more assertive on defense, and more confident overall. If he can continue to shoot at a high clip while playing mistake-free basketball, Schutt could carve out a consistent role off the bench.

Freshman big man Liam Harwood also made his presence known with an aggressive style of play that belied his youth. At 6-foot-10, Harwood moves surprisingly well laterally, and while his offensive game is still developing, he did enough to suggest that he can be a meaningful contributor in short bursts this season. He was particularly active on the boards, recording several second-chance opportunities and showing good instincts in terms of timing and positioning. Harwood may not see consistent minutes early on, but his upside is undeniable, and he adds crucial frontcourt depth that could become valuable as the season wears on.

Defensively, the Blue Devils looked like a team that has already bought into their identity. There were moments of full-court pressure, aggressive help-side rotations, and a collective sense of urgency in closing out on shooters. While execution wasn’t always perfect — and there were a few miscommunications along the way — the energy and intent were unmistakable. Players like Foster, Mitchell, and Anderson all took pride in locking down their assignments, and the coaching staff was quick to pull players aside when breakdowns occurred. For this early in the calendar, the defensive connectivity was striking.

One notable absence during the scrimmage was senior guard Jeremy Roach, who was held out due to minor precautionary reasons. While his veteran presence would have undoubtedly added another layer to the team’s dynamics, the scrimmage also served as a revealing look at how this team might function when Roach is off the floor. Foster assumed the primary point guard role seamlessly, and others — such as Schutt and Anderson — took turns initiating offense as well. This kind of ball-sharing responsibility could prove vital during the long haul of the season, particularly if injuries or foul trouble arise.

In the coaching department, Jon Scheyer and his staff appeared as engaged and energetic as ever. Scheyer’s fingerprints were all over the structure of the scrimmage, from the rotational pairings to the situational drills incorporated in the second half. Assistant coaches Chris Carrawell and Jai Lucas were equally vocal, reinforcing defensive principles, correcting footwork, and encouraging players to push the pace. The scrimmage may have been informal, but the approach was anything but. There is a culture of accountability forming within the program, and it’s evident that every player — from walk-ons to five-stars — is expected to contribute with effort and attention to detail.

The final moments of the scrimmage brought a competitive flourish, as both sides traded buckets and stops in a tightly contested stretch that mimicked end-of-game pressure. Foster hit a tough pull-up jumper with just over a minute remaining to give his side a late lead, only for Anderson to respond with a driving layup off a nifty spin move. A missed three on the final possession sealed the result, but the smiles, high-fives, and fist-bumps afterward told the real story. This is a group that enjoys playing together, competes hard, and understands that the foundation for a championship season is built long before the bright lights of March.

In all, the Blue Devils’ summer scrimmage offered a tantalizing preview of what could be one of Duke’s most balanced and dynamic teams in recent memory. There is experience. There is youth. There is shooting, athleticism, and an apparent commitment to defense. While it’s still far too early to project just how deep this team might go, the early signs are unmistakably promising. The chemistry is ahead of schedule, the talent is undeniable, and the hunger to reclaim the mountaintop of college basketball is palpable. The 2025–26 season is still months away, but if this scrimmage was any indication, the Blue Devils are wasting no time preparing to make it one to remember.