Caleb Foster injury update: Duke G out for a 'foreseeable time' Duke Blue Devils men’s basketball will be without junior guard Caleb Foster for an unspecified period following a right foot fracture sustained during a game against North Carolina. Coach Jon Scheyer confirmed the injury during a media session on March 10, revealing that Foster underwent surgery the day after the incident and is now beginning his rehabilitation. Scheyer emphasized that Foster’s absence will last “a foreseeable time,” though the team remains focused on advancing in the upcoming ACC Tournament and NCAA Tournament. The injury occurred in the first half of Duke’s 76-61 victory over North Carolina on March 7. Foster lunged toward a basket after a made shot by the Tar Heels and immediately collapsed in pain, grimacing on the court. He was treated on the bench before limping to the locker room with a trainer. During the second half, he sat in street clothes and a walking boot, using a knee rover to move around the arena. Scheyer described the incident as an “awkward play,” noting that Foster had felt no discomfort prior to the injury. “It just happened out of nowhere,” Scheyer said. “Some things you feel are preventable, and other times, freak things happen. This is one of them.” Foster’s injury adds to a history of setbacks for the player. He missed the final nine games of his freshman season due to an ankle fracture. Scheyer provided a potential timeline for Foster’s return, linking it to Duke’s success in the NCAA Tournament. “The reality is we’d have to advance to a Final Four,” Scheyer said. “Is there a chance earlier? I’m not going to eliminate that, but it’s really difficult to imagine that scenario. We won’t have him for the next few weeks.#north_carolina #jon_scheyer #acc_tournament #duke_blue_devils #caleb_foster
Duke's Caleb Foster Out Indefinitely After Fractured Right Foot Caleb Foster, a key point guard for Duke, may miss the remainder of the season after suffering a fractured right foot during the Blue Devils' victory over North Carolina. Coach Jon Scheyer confirmed Tuesday that Foster is out for the "foreseeable future," following the injury sustained in the first half of the game. The injury occurred with about four minutes remaining in the first half, and Foster returned to the sideline in the second half wearing a walking boot. The injury adds to a challenging stretch for Duke, which is favored to secure the top overall seed in the NCAA tournament. Foster, who averages 8.5 points and 2.8 assists per game, has played the third-most minutes for the team this season. He is one of seven Duke players who have appeared in every game so far. His absence will require significant adjustments as the team prepares for the ACC tournament. Forward Patrick Ngongba II, another key player, will also miss the ACC tournament due to right foot soreness. Ngongba, who sat out the game against North Carolina, was wearing a boot while on the bench. The team hopes to have him back for the NCAA tournament, where he has been a reliable contributor. Ngongba averages 10.7 points and six rebounds per game, with a strong recent performance in Duke’s 68-63 win over Michigan, where he scored 11 points and grabbed six rebounds. With Foster and Ngongba sidelined, the Blue Devils will rely on Cayden Boozer, Dame Sarr, and Maliq Brown to step up. Boozer, who averages five points per game, had a career-high 15 points along with 10 rebounds and five steals in the win over North Carolina. Sarr contributed 10 points in 34 minutes of play, while Boozer, the twin brother of Duke star Cameron Boozer, played 29 minutes off the bench.#duke #jon_scheyer #acc_tournament #caleb_foster #patrick_ngongba_ii
Duke’s basketball team faces mounting challenges as injuries to key players threaten their national title aspirations. The No. 1 Blue Devils suffered significant setbacks during a crucial game against No. 17 North Carolina, with starters Patrick Ngongba and Caleb Foster sidelined due to injuries. Both players were forced to leave the game in walking boots, limiting Duke’s depth and options as they prepare for the NCAA Tournament. The injuries occurred during a high-stakes matchup against the Tar Heels, a team that had previously beaten Duke in the ACC season. Despite the absence of Ngongba and Foster, Duke managed to dominate the second half, securing a win. Coach Jon Scheyer emphasized the team’s focus on recovery, stating, “Our plan is: How can we get as healthy as possible, as ready as possible, for two weeks from now, wherever we go?” The ACC Tournament looms, but Scheyer acknowledged the challenges posed by the injuries, noting that the team’s depth is compromised without their contributions. Ngongba, a center battling a sore right foot, was kept out of the game to avoid further injury. Foster, a junior point guard, suffered a season-ending injury to his right foot during the contest. His absence is particularly impactful, as he had been averaging career highs in points, assists, and rebounds. Despite the setbacks, Duke’s performance against UNC highlighted the team’s overall skill, with Cameron Boozer’s brilliance and Maliq Brown’s defense driving the victory. The injuries raise concerns about Duke’s ability to maintain their dominance in March, a month critical for NCAA Tournament success. While the Blue Devils remain undefeated at 29-2 and likely the No. 1 seed, the loss of key players could test their resilience.#duke #north_carolina #jon_scheyer #caleb_foster #patrick_ngongba
Duke's Caleb Foster Out Indefinitely With Foot Fracture Duke starting guard Caleb Foster will miss an indefinite period due to a fractured right foot, according to head coach Jon Scheyer. The injury occurred during the first half of Duke’s game against North Carolina on Saturday, and Foster did not return to the court. Scheyer confirmed that Foster underwent surgery on Sunday and emphasized that the junior’s absence would span "foreseeable" time. While the coach did not completely rule out a potential return for the NCAA tournament, he acknowledged that Duke’s deep run in the postseason would require the team to adjust without Foster. Scheyer expressed optimism about Foster’s recovery, stating, “In his mind and our mind, we'll do everything we possibly can with our mindset to continue to advance where we can give him a shot to come back when it's all said and done.” The top-ranked Blue Devils will need to rely on their depth as they navigate the tournament without their fourth-leading scorer, who averages 8.5 points and 2.8 assists per game. Foster’s absence will likely elevate the role of freshman guard Cayden Boozer, who filled in for Foster during Saturday’s game against North Carolina. Boozer played 29 minutes, contributing seven points and five rebounds. The team also faces challenges with the injury to center Patrick Ngongba II, who is dealing with foot soreness and will miss the ACC tournament. Scheyer hopes Ngongba will recover in time for the NCAA tournament, as the 6-foot-11 forward averages 10.7 points and 6.0 rebounds per game. Ngongba, like Foster, did not play against North Carolina, further thinning Duke’s roster. The Blue Devils, seeded first in the ACC tournament, will face either Florida State or California in the quarterfinals on Thursday.#duke #jon_scheyer #caleb_foster #cayden_boozers #patrick_ngongba_ii
