“This Might Be the Deepest Duke Roster in Years — Intense Practice Battles Show No Spot Is Safe as Jon Scheyer Builds a Relentless, Competitive Powerhouse in Durham”
The buzz surrounding Duke basketball is back—and this time, it’s not just about a five-star freshman or a marquee matchup on the calendar. It’s something deeper, something far more foundational. This 2025-26 Blue Devils team might be the deepest, most competitive roster the program has had in years, and anyone who’s gotten a glimpse of their practices can see why. From veterans with something to prove, to freshmen already acting like they belong, the intensity in Durham is palpable. Head coach Jon Scheyer isn’t just overseeing workouts—he’s orchestrating a proving ground. Every possession counts. Every drill feels like a battle. And that’s exactly the way he wants it.
Since taking over from the legendary Coach K, Scheyer has had the unenviable task of living up to one of the most storied legacies in college basketball. But with each season, he’s carved out more of his own identity. Now, heading into what feels like a pivotal campaign, Scheyer has assembled a team that embodies everything he’s been trying to build—toughness, versatility, hunger, and above all else, competition. It’s a group where no player, regardless of experience or star rating, can coast. Every day in the practice gym is a trial by fire, and only those willing to fight tooth and nail earn their minutes.
Veterans like Tyrese Proctor and Mark Mitchell aren’t guaranteed anything. Despite being two of the more experienced voices in the locker room, their leadership is being tested constantly by a wave of energetic and fearless newcomers. Proctor, who returned with hopes of elevating his game and boosting his draft stock, has found himself challenged by underclassmen who aren’t afraid to pressure him full court. Mitchell, long praised for his versatility and defensive acumen, has had to sharpen his focus to keep pace with the relentless drive of the younger forwards. For these returners, the internal competition isn’t a threat—it’s fuel. They’re sharpening their skills not just for the next opponent, but for the next practice session.
Then there’s the freshmen. Duke’s 2025 recruiting class is once again among the nation’s best, and this group isn’t shy about asserting themselves. Players like Zayden High, a forward with elite length and a motor that doesn’t quit, have already made a name in the scrimmage sessions. He’s the kind of guy who dives for every loose ball, contests every shot, and treats every moment on the floor like it’s the national championship. It’s not just raw talent—there’s a maturity and drive in these newcomers that sets the tone for the entire team.
Practice at Duke now resembles a high-level combine more than a traditional college workout. Position drills bleed into full-court scrimmages. Shot contests are intense, and transition defense is treated with playoff-level urgency. Scheyer and his staff have leaned into this competitive environment, designing practices that encourage chaos, confrontation, and resilience. The players are constantly being thrown into uncomfortable situations. Sometimes it’s Proctor leading a squad of underclassmen against the top group. Other times, it’s lineups completely shuffled to test adaptability and leadership. The underlying message is clear—nothing is promised.
For a coach in Scheyer’s position, this kind of roster depth is a dream. Not only does it allow for strategic flexibility during the season, but it ensures that complacency never sets in. If one player starts slipping, another is right behind him ready to seize the moment. This is particularly crucial in the long ACC grind, where injuries, slumps, and fatigue can derail even the most talented teams. Scheyer knows that having a deep bench isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity for sustained success in March.
It also speaks volumes about how Scheyer has evolved as a recruiter. While Duke has always attracted top talent, Scheyer has been more intentional about building balanced classes—mixing one-and-done potential with multi-year players who provide stability and growth. This year’s roster features a healthy mix of both. There are high-ceiling prospects who may be gone after a season, and there are glue guys who will define Duke’s culture for years to come. That blend has created a fascinating dynamic in the locker room: the hunger of youth matched with the wisdom of experience.
Off the court, the competition remains just as fierce. Film sessions have turned into debate rooms, with players dissecting possessions and challenging one another’s reads and decisions. Weight room sessions are filled with personal bests and constant challenges. Even in the dining hall, there’s a sense of camaraderie mixed with quiet intensity—everyone is watching, everyone is pushing. This internal culture shift has been gradual but deliberate, cultivated by Scheyer and embraced by his players. There’s a collective understanding that success isn’t measured by individual accolades or highlight reels—it’s about raising the standard together.
Of course, all of this energy and depth will need to translate when the lights come on. Duke’s schedule is, as always, unforgiving. Early-season matchups against national contenders will offer the first real tests of this group’s cohesion and resolve. But if the reports from practice are any indication, this team isn’t afraid of the spotlight. They’ve already battled the toughest opponents they’ll face all year—each other.
There’s also a strategic benefit to this kind of internal war. Opponents scouting Duke won’t be able to key in on one or two stars. The depth allows Scheyer to play matchup basketball at a high level—going big against smaller teams, using speed and shooting against traditional lineups, or simply wearing down teams with waves of fresh legs. It’s not unlike the approach seen at the NBA level, where teams deploy multiple units with specific tactical purposes. For a college program to replicate that, it requires immense trust and buy-in from every player, from the top of the rotation to the end of the bench. And so far, Scheyer has gotten exactly that.
The chemistry is another storyline worth watching. With so many capable players, egos can easily become a problem. But this Duke team, at least in these early stages, appears unusually unified. That’s a testament to both Scheyer’s leadership and the character of the guys he’s brought in. They celebrate each other’s success. They hold each other accountable. And perhaps most importantly, they’ve embraced the idea that iron sharpens iron. For them, competition isn’t a wedge—it’s a bond.
In the past, Duke teams have sometimes leaned too heavily on a few stars. When those stars struggled or faced adversity, the entire team felt it. This year, the load is spread out. If one player has an off night, another is ready to step up. If foul trouble derails a game plan, there’s enough talent waiting on the bench to keep things on track. It’s not about replacing one guy—it’s about reinforcing the mission.
As the season inches closer, the message from Durham is clear. Don’t expect the same old Duke. Expect something deeper. Expect a team that won’t be outworked. Expect a program that has retooled, reloaded, and recommitted to the ruthless grind that defines championship basketball. Practice may be the crucible, but it’s also the blueprint. And if the fire in those gym battles carries into the regular season, the rest of the country better be ready.
