#jon_scheyer

Duke Faces Potential Four-Player NBA Draft Exit Amid Uncertain Future Roster building in college basketball is always fluid, but Jon Scheyer may be preparing for his most significant rebuild as the head coach of the Blue Devils this offseason. While Scheyer has successfully retained key players in recent years, the current situation presents a stark contrast. Both Darren Harris and Nikolas Khamenia have entered the Transfer Portal, and their departure is likely to be just the beginning. Duke now has four players considering NBA Draft decisions, with the potential for a major shakeup in the 2026 draft class. National Player of the Year Cameron Boozer is already considered a near-certain departure, but the futures of Isaiah Evans, Patrick Ngongba, and Dame Sarr remain uncertain. Duke fans are bracing for the loss of two or three players, but if Jeremy Woo’s latest ESPN big board is accurate, the team may need to prepare for the worst-case scenario: losing all four of its top NBA prospects. Boozer’s position on Woo’s board at No. 3, behind BYU’s AJ Dybantsa and Kansas’ Darryn Peterson, highlights the competitive nature of the draft. While Boozer’s ranking may seem surprising given his accolades, it reflects the consensus among analysts that he is a top-three prospect. However, the fact that only one of the top three is the National Player of the Year raises questions about how NBA teams might value different skill sets. Evans, who has been projected as a late first-round pick, is ranked No. 21 on Woo’s board. This placement could tempt Evans to declare for the draft, especially if he believes his performance in pre-draft workouts could elevate his stock. The prospect of a guaranteed NBA contract may push him to test the waters, though his decision will depend on how he is evaluated by scouts and teams.#jon_scheyer #patrick_ngongba #cameron_boozers #duke_university #isaias_evans

Injured Duke guard Caleb Foster could return for the Sweet 16 matchup against St. John’s, his family confirmed to WRAL. The No. 1 seed Duke Blue Devils, who have been without Foster since his right foot fracture in the regular-season finale on March 17, may field a full roster for the game on Friday. Foster’s family told WRAL’s Chris Lea that the junior guard has a 50-50 chance of playing, though the decision will depend on his condition closer to game time. Duke practiced in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, and Foster was observed without apparent limitations during the media session. He wore a compression sleeve on his right leg, though no restrictions were noted. Coach Jon Scheyer emphasized Foster’s determination, recalling how the player vowed to return to the team after his injury. “He told me, ‘If I do this and work every day, you’ve got to promise me you'll let me put this uniform on again with our guys,’” Scheyer said. The coach added that Foster’s participation will be a game-time decision, as the team will assess his readiness in the hours leading up to the game. Foster, who underwent surgery on March 8, was initially expected to miss the Final Four. However, his progress has accelerated, with Scheyer noting he had a “good day of practice” on Wednesday. The coach cautioned that the team must prioritize his health, stating, “We have to make sure he's in position before the game. He's going to give it everything he has to go.” Foster’s absence has been mitigated by freshman Cayden Boozer, who has stepped into his role. Boozer has averaged 16.4 points in the past five games, including a career-high 19 points in Duke’s NCAA Tournament opener against Siena. Meanwhile, center Patrick Ngongba, who missed five games due to right foot soreness, returned in the second round and is expected to play against St.#jon_scheyer #duke_blue_devils #caleb_foster #cayden_boozers #st_john_s

Caleb Foster injury update: Duke guard 'game time decision' vs St. John's Duke men's basketball coach Jon Scheyer confirmed on Thursday that point guard Caleb Foster remains a game-time decision for Friday’s Sweet 16 matchup against St. John’s in the NCAA Tournament. The Blue Devils are set to face the fifth-seeded Red Storm in a 7:10 p.m. ET tip-off at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. Scheyer emphasized Foster’s determination to play, stating, “He’s in a position where he’s going to try to do that tomorrow night. He’s going to give it everything he has to go tomorrow night.” Foster has been sidelined since March 7 due to a foot injury sustained in Duke’s regular-season finale against North Carolina. The injury has kept him out of the ACC tournament and the first two games of the NCAA Tournament, during which the Blue Devils struggled offensively. In their first-round upset against No. 16 seed Siena, Duke committed eight turnovers and shot 41% from the field. The team’s turnover count rose to 17 in their second-round victory over No. 9 seed TCU, raising concerns about their ball-handling and flow without Foster. Scheyer provided further insight into Foster’s condition, noting that the guard had a “good day of practice” the day before the game. However, the coach stressed that the decision to play remains uncertain, as the team must assess Foster’s readiness. “It’s not like there’s a lot of practice time, but we have to make sure he’s in position before the game,” Scheyer said. The coach’s comments highlight the delicate balance between pushing Foster to contribute and ensuring his health. Foster’s injury has been a significant factor in Duke’s tournament performance. The Blue Devils arrived at the arena in D.C.#jon_scheyer #caleb_foster #st_johns #capital_one_arena #duke_men_basketball

Duke's Caleb Foster Game-Time Decision for Sweet 16 Clash with St. John's Duke head coach Jon Scheyer confirmed Thursday that guard Caleb Foster will be a game-time decision for the Blue Devils’ Sweet 16 matchup against St. John’s on Friday. Foster, the starting point guard for the No. 1 overall seed, has been sidelined for the past five games following a foot fracture sustained during a matchup against North Carolina earlier this month. The 6-foot-5 junior, who had been a key contributor for Duke this season, participated in a limited practice session on Wednesday. Scheyer emphasized the team’s need to assess Foster’s progress and readiness ahead of the high-stakes game. “He’s going to give it everything he has to go tomorrow night,” the coach stated, highlighting Foster’s determination despite his injury. Foster’s absence has significantly impacted Duke’s offensive rhythm. Prior to his injury, the junior was in the midst of a breakout season, starting 30 of the team’s first 31 games. He averaged 8.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game, shooting 40.2% from beyond the arc. His contributions were pivotal in several of Duke’s most critical victories, including a 15-point, eight-assist performance against Arkansas; a 20-point outing against Louisville; and a 12-point, four-assist effort in a win over then-No. 1 Michigan. With Foster sidelined, Scheyer has leaned on five-star freshman Cayden Boozer, the twin brother of National Player of the Year front-runner Cameron Boozer, as the primary backcourt option. Boozer, who has averaged 13.8 points and 3.2 assists in his role as a starter, delivered a standout performance in Duke’s first-round NCAA tournament win over Siena, recording 19 points and five assists. Sophomore center Pat Ngongba is also expected to play in Friday’s game against St. John’s, the No. 5 seed.#duke #jon_scheyer #caleb_foster #cayden_boozers #st_john_s

East Region of 2026 NCAA Tournament Features Clash of Coaching Legends The East region in the 2026 NCAA tournament is a challenging bracket filled with established programs and seasoned coaches, setting the stage for a fierce competition for a Final Four berth. Duke, led by first-time head coach Jon Scheyer, is the No. 1 seed in the region, but the path to Indianapolis will require the Blue Devils to navigate through a lineup of elite coaches with deep histories in college basketball. Over the next two weekends, the region’s top coaches will face off in a battle for a single Final Four slot, with each matchup carrying significant implications for their careers. Scheyer, who took over as Duke’s head coach in 2022 following Mike Krzyzewski’s retirement, has guided the Blue Devils to their highest seed in program history. Despite his relative inexperience compared to many of his peers, Scheyer’s success has solidified his reputation as one of the brightest young minds in the sport. His first Final Four appearance came in 2025, but the Blue Devils have yet to secure their first NCAA championship under his leadership. The region’s coaching landscape is defined by a mix of longevity and recent success. Jim Calhoun, now at UConn, has built a legacy as one of the most decorated coaches in college basketball history. His tenure at UConn, where he led the Huskies to two national championships, has earned him a place among the most respected figures in the sport. However, Calhoun’s recent struggles to advance past the first weekend of the tournament have raised questions about his ability to maintain his earlier dominance. Tom Izzo, the longest-tenured active coach in NCAA history, has spent 31 years at Michigan State, where his Spartans have remained a consistent presence in the tournament.#duke #jon_scheyer #ncaa_tournament #tom_izzo #jim_calhoun

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

Duke's bid for the No. 1 overall seed in the 2026 NCAA Tournament faces a critical test as the top-ranked Blue Devils prepare to face No. 17 North Carolina in a pivotal regular-season finale. A loss could push Duke down to the No. 3 seed in CBS Sports Bracketology, with Michigan and Arizona emerging as the top contenders for the top spot. The outcome of Saturday’s matchup will shape Duke’s tournament prospects, as the team aims to secure its first No. 1 overall seed under coach Jon Scheyer. Duke, already the outright ACC champion, is positioned to host the East Region tournament in Greenville, South Carolina. However, earning the No. 1 seed remains a significant honor, especially with star freshman Cam Boozer leading the charge for the Naismith Award and Scheyer potentially earning Coach of the Year recognition. The Blue Devils’ success in the tournament will hinge on their ability to navigate the final stretch of the season, with a strong showing in the ACC Tournament likely solidifying their position as the top seed. The matchup also carries weight for North Carolina, which faces a challenging road without star forward Caleb Wilson. The injury to Wilson, sustained earlier in the season, has left the Tar Heels without a key contributor to their resume, which includes victories over Kansas, Kentucky, and Duke. A win against Duke would elevate UNC to the No. 5 seed and demonstrate the team’s resilience despite the setback. However, a poor performance could raise concerns about their tournament readiness, as the selection committee will evaluate their ability to compete without Wilson. UNC’s struggles without Wilson have been evident, with a notable loss to NC State earlier this season. While the team has shown resilience, the absence of Wilson complicates their path to the tournament.#duke #north_carolina #jon_scheyer #cam_booz #acc_tournament