Inside Duke’s Summer Furnace: The Intense Offseason Workouts Forging the Blue Devils’ Next Legends in 2025

Every championship run begins long before the cameras roll and the arenas roar. At Duke University, the path to basketball immortality starts under the sweltering glare of summer gym lights, where sweat puddles on hardwood, sneakers squeal against the court, and every rep feels like it carries the weight of March Madness dreams. This summer is no different—except the stakes might be even higher. With the intensity of the program reaching a fever pitch, the Blue Devils are laying the foundation for another season that could cement their legacy as one of the greatest college basketball programs of all time.

While most college students are lounging by the pool or soaking up the sun, Duke’s basketball team is doing something entirely different. For them, the summer months are a sacred time—an opportunity to sharpen their skills, build team chemistry, and prepare their bodies and minds for the grueling journey that lies ahead. Duke’s renowned basketball program has always thrived on its ability to develop young talent, and the summer workouts are the engine driving that success.

The intensity of these sessions is nothing short of legendary. The players rise before dawn, the air still thick with humidity as they begin their day with conditioning drills designed to test their endurance. This isn’t just about getting in shape—it’s about building a mentality that can withstand the pressure of high-stakes games, where every possession counts and every mistake can be costly. The players know that each drop of sweat on the court now could be the difference between a regular season finish and a deep run in the NCAA tournament.

In the weight room, the players are pushing their bodies to the limit. Bench presses, squats, deadlifts—each movement is an effort to become stronger, faster, and more explosive. Strength and conditioning coach, Gavin Smith, is a key figure in this process, pushing the players with a relentless drive to see their potential unfold. “We want them to be able to withstand whatever the season throws at them,” Smith explains. “We push them to get uncomfortable because that’s where growth happens. The goal isn’t just to build muscle; it’s to build mental toughness.”

Mental toughness is a theme that runs deep in Duke’s program, and it’s something that coach Jon Scheyer has been working to instill in his team since taking over the reins in 2023. Scheyer, who was once a player under the legendary Mike Krzyzewski, understands the value of creating a culture of excellence, and he has made it clear from the start that there is no room for complacency at Duke.

“Every day is an opportunity to get better,” Scheyer says, his voice carrying the kind of conviction that has become synonymous with the Blue Devils. “We’re here to develop players who can handle the pressure and adversity that comes with playing for Duke. This isn’t just about talent—it’s about being mentally prepared for what’s to come.”

The summer workouts are grueling, but they also serve as a critical bonding experience for the players. On the court, they’re pushing each other to new heights, holding one another accountable for every missed shot, every turnover, every mistake. But off the court, they’re building relationships that will carry them through the ups and downs of the season. It’s in these moments, when the team is exhausted and drained, that the true spirit of Duke basketball begins to take shape.

One of the focal points of this summer’s training has been the development of the freshmen class. Every year, Duke brings in a new crop of highly touted recruits, and this summer, the focus has been on integrating these young stars into the team’s system. The coaching staff has made it a point to make sure these players understand the standard of excellence that Duke basketball is built on.

For the freshmen, the transition from high school to college is a massive leap, but they’re being given all the tools they need to succeed. Whether it’s in one-on-one sessions with the coaching staff, individual skill development drills, or getting up extra shots in the gym, no effort is spared to make sure these players are ready for the demands of Division I basketball.

One of the standout freshmen this summer has been 6-foot-9 forward Tyler Moore, a highly rated recruit who is expected to play a major role for the Blue Devils in 2025. Moore’s game is a blend of power and finesse, and his work ethic has already made a strong impression on the coaching staff. “Tyler is a kid who shows up every day with a hunger to get better,” says Scheyer. “He’s already made big strides this summer, and if he continues to put in the work, he’s going to be a key contributor this season.”

But it’s not just the freshmen who are making strides—returning players like sophomore guard Jacob Ellis and junior forward Malik Carter are also showing significant growth. Ellis, who made an impact in his freshman season, has added a new dimension to his game, improving his shooting and ball-handling skills. Carter, known for his defensive prowess, has worked tirelessly to improve his offensive game, adding a reliable mid-range jump shot to his arsenal.

One of the unique aspects of Duke’s summer program is the way it fosters competition. Every player knows that spots on the roster aren’t guaranteed—they must earn them every day. This fierce competition pushes everyone to reach their full potential, and it creates an environment where growth happens at an accelerated pace.

The intensity of the summer workouts also gives the coaching staff an opportunity to evaluate the team’s strengths and weaknesses. With an eye on the upcoming season, Scheyer and his assistants are constantly making adjustments, refining the team’s system, and ensuring that the players are prepared for the challenges they will face in the ACC and beyond. The team’s commitment to excellence isn’t just about winning games—it’s about developing a culture of winning, where every player holds themselves and their teammates to the highest standard.

As the summer draws to a close, the Blue Devils are starting to look like a well-oiled machine, ready to take on whatever the season has in store. But they know that their journey is far from over. The grind of the summer has set the foundation, but it will be the work they put in over the next several months that will determine their fate. If history has taught us anything, it’s that Duke basketball isn’t about just getting to the tournament—it’s about winning it all. And the Blue Devils are prepared to do whatever it takes to achieve that goal.

For these players, the summer workouts are more than just a routine—they’re a testament to the commitment, sacrifice, and passion that define Duke basketball. As the gym lights flicker off and the players head home for the night, they know that every drop of sweat, every bruise, and every sore muscle will be worth it when they step onto the court in front of a packed Cameron Indoor Stadium, chasing a championship that could forever alter the course of their careers and the legacy of Duke basketball.

In the furnace of the summer, the next legends of Duke basketball are being forged, one rep at a time. And when the season begins, they will be ready to carry the torch of greatness forward, fueled by the sacrifices made in the heat of the offseason. The Blue Devils are not just training for a season—they’re training for immortality.