How Duke’s Practices Are Forging the Toughest Squad in the ACC”

“Inside the Grind: How Duke’s Practices Are Forging the Toughest Squad in the ACC”

Don’t let the polished smiles and pristine jerseys fool you — inside Duke’s practice gym, it’s pure intensity. Head coach Jon Scheyer is running one of the most demanding offseasons in recent Blue Devils history, and the message is clear: this Duke team won’t just be talented — they’ll be battle-tested, physically tough, and mentally unshakable.

Gone are the days when Duke leaned solely on raw talent and star potential. While this year’s roster certainly boasts high-level recruits and returning experience, what’s standing out most is the daily grind behind the scenes. These practices aren’t about flash — they’re about forging a team that can outlast and outfight anyone in the ACC.

From early morning weight sessions to back-to-back full-court drills, Scheyer has instilled a culture that values toughness over titles, grit over glamour.

> “Everything we do has a purpose,” Scheyer told reporters. “We’re not just preparing for games — we’re preparing for moments. The tough ones.”

Inside sources describe practices filled with live scrimmages, one-on-one battles, and scenarios designed to put players under pressure. Turnovers aren’t just corrected — they’re challenged. Missed rotations are called out immediately. And no player, no matter their ranking or resume, is above accountability.

That includes returning leaders like Tyrese Proctor, who’s reportedly embraced a vocal leadership role this summer, and new faces like Cooper Flagg, whose hustle and competitive fire have already become legendary among those inside the facility.

Flagg, despite being one of the most hyped freshmen in recent memory, isn’t being coddled — he’s being pushed. And according to staffers, he’s responding by pushing back — outworking veterans and setting the tone in drills. He’s quickly becoming the type of player who not only performs, but raises the level of everyone around him.

And it’s not just Flagg. Other newcomers like Isaiah Evans and Caleb Foster have also drawn praise for embracing the grind, diving for loose balls, fighting through contact, and showing they’re ready to contribute not just with skill, but with sheer effort.

> “These guys aren’t just playing for minutes — they’re fighting for trust,” said one assistant coach. “And in this program, that starts in practice.”

The result? A Duke team that may not be crowned yet, but is earning every ounce of respect before a single tip-off. The coaching staff isn’t handing out starting roles or minutes based on hype — everything is earned. The team is being built from the inside out — mentally, physically, and emotionally — and they’re starting to believe in each other because of what they’ve survived together in practice.

As the season approaches, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: this Duke team won’t be pushed around. Not by the schedule. Not by the spotlight. And certainly not by the rest of the ACC.

Because inside those walls in Durham, they’re grinding now — so they can dominate later.