Jon Scheyer Proud as Caleb Foster Chooses Loyalty and Growth Over Transfer Portal Chaos in Blue Devils’ New Era
Duke head coach Jon Scheyer has navigated his fair share of changes since taking over for Hall of Fame legend Mike Krzyzewski. The modern college basketball landscape has become a revolving door of players leaving for greener pastures or immediate opportunity elsewhere. In the age of the transfer portal, instant gratification, and NIL temptations, it’s increasingly rare to see a young player stick it out and grow within a single program—especially one as demanding and competitive as Duke. That’s why Scheyer recently took the time to publicly praise rising sophomore guard Caleb Foster for what he believes is a rare but powerful act of maturity: staying the course.
Foster arrived at Duke as a heralded five-star recruit, part of Scheyer’s stacked 2023 class. A McDonald’s All-American and elite floor general out of California’s prestigious Notre Dame High School, Foster was known for his calm demeanor, high basketball IQ, and smooth scoring ability. But like many first-year players at high-level programs, his freshman season did not unfold exactly the way the hype machine had predicted. With a crowded backcourt and several veterans and other five-stars ahead of him, Foster had an up-and-down year that could’ve easily pushed him into the ever-popular transfer portal.
Instead, Foster chose patience.
He chose to grind.
And in doing so, he earned something that many players often overlook: the respect and confidence of his coach.
“He could’ve left. A lot of guys in his position do,” Scheyer said during a media session ahead of Duke’s summer workouts. “But Caleb believes in this place. He believes in us, and more importantly, he believes in himself. That’s a big deal.”
Foster appeared in 27 games last season, averaging just under 6 points per game and shooting a respectable 42% from the field, including 39% from beyond the arc. Those numbers, while not eye-popping, came in limited minutes behind more experienced guards like Jeremy Roach and Tyrese Proctor. There were moments, however, when Foster flashed the potential that had made him such a prized recruit—most notably a 16-point outburst against Michigan State in the Champions Classic and a gutsy showing against North Carolina in Chapel Hill where he nailed a pair of key three-pointers late in the first half.
But as the season progressed, Foster’s role began to shrink. Duke, battling for seeding in March, leaned on its older guards. Foster’s minutes became inconsistent, and by the time the NCAA Tournament arrived, he was largely relegated to a supporting role.
In today’s climate, that’s usually when a player looks elsewhere. At blue blood programs especially, the pressure to produce immediately is immense. And when opportunity doesn’t present itself right away, the portal beckons. Coaches now routinely build rosters expecting turnover, even from players who had committed to being part of a multi-year plan.
Scheyer, who is only entering his third year at the helm, has already seen his share of early departures and retooling. But Foster’s decision to stay—and recommit to his development at Duke—is a testament to the foundation Scheyer is trying to build.
“We want guys who value being part of something bigger than themselves,” Scheyer said. “And Caleb’s a guy who gets that. He’s not just looking at how many points he scores or how many minutes he gets. He’s thinking long-term. That’s leadership.”
With Roach having transferred to Baylor and Proctor declaring for the NBA Draft, the door is now open for Foster to step into a much larger role in 2025. In fact, there’s a strong possibility he will begin the season as the Blue Devils’ starting point guard. That development arc—from promising but inconsistent freshman to program leader in year two—is precisely what Scheyer envisioned when he first recruited Foster.
“His skill set has never been in question,” Scheyer continued. “He’s got the size, the shooting, the ability to run a team. What I’ve been most proud of is how much he’s grown as a competitor. This summer, he’s been one of our hardest workers.”
Sources close to the program indicate that Foster has been relentless during off-season workouts. He’s added muscle, improved his handle under pressure, and taken on more vocal leadership in team activities—something that didn’t come naturally for him last year.
“It’s night and day,” one Duke assistant told local media. “He’s not just out there playing anymore. He’s directing. He’s demanding. He’s become a point guard in every sense.”
The timing couldn’t be better for Foster or the Blue Devils.
Duke’s 2024-25 roster is loaded with young talent, including top-five incoming freshman Cooper Flagg—arguably the most hyped recruit in a decade. With players like Flagg, Khaman Maluach, Isaiah Evans, and Kon Knueppel arriving on campus, the team will need a steady hand in the backcourt to bring it all together. Scheyer believes Foster can be that player.
“Look, we’re going to have a lot of new faces, a lot of big personalities,” Scheyer admitted. “Having someone like Caleb—who knows the program, who knows what we expect, and who’s been through it—is invaluable. He’s the kind of guy you win with.”
Foster, for his part, hasn’t said much publicly. But in a rare interview with Duke’s in-house media team, he did offer some insight into his mindset.
“I came here to be challenged,” Foster said. “Last year was tough at times. But I learned a lot, and I’m better for it. I never thought about quitting. I trust the process, and I trust Coach Scheyer. I want to be part of something great here.”
That kind of maturity is exactly what Scheyer hopes will define this next era of Duke basketball. For all the buzz surrounding the incoming freshman class and the rapid shifts across college hoops, it’s the returners—players like Foster—who will determine just how far Duke can go next season.
“We’re building a program, not just a team,” Scheyer emphasized. “We’re not interested in one-and-done seasons where everyone is constantly coming and going. Caleb’s decision to stay, to compete, to lead—it means something. And it sends a message to the younger guys: this is what Duke basketball is about.”
Indeed, in a year where Duke could easily be overwhelmed by talent turnover and the high expectations that come with a generational recruit like Flagg, having a player like Foster at the helm could be the stabilizing force that brings everything together. His poise, experience, and willingness to sacrifice for the greater good are qualities that can’t be replicated by raw talent alone.
And for Jon Scheyer, a young coach trying to forge his own legacy while upholding the standards of a storied program, Foster’s loyalty is not just appreciated—it’s foundational.
“You can’t build anything real without guys like Caleb,” Scheyer concluded. “He’s a Blue Devil. Through and through.”
