The Point Guard Battle That Could Define the Blue Devils’ Season

ACC Preview #18: Duke Basketball – The Point Guard Battle That Could Define the Blue Devils’ Season

When Jon Scheyer took over the Duke Blue Devils in 2022, he wasted no time proving he could recruit at the highest level. Year after year, Duke has reloaded with five-star talent, producing top-tier wings, elite bigs, and versatile scorers. Yet, one glaring hole has lingered through his young coaching tenure: the absence of a true, great point guard.

It’s ironic, of course. Scheyer himself once quarterbacked Duke’s backcourt, helping lead the Blue Devils to the 2010 national championship as a heady, steady floor general. Now, as a coach, he finds himself searching for the kind of player he once embodied—someone capable of organizing, leading, and lifting a stacked roster to the sport’s biggest stage.

This season, the search narrows to two fascinating options: junior Caleb Foster and freshman Cayden Boozer. Their competition will not only decide who holds the keys to the Duke offense but could also determine whether this year’s team has the firepower and balance to make a deep March run.

The Veteran: Caleb Foster’s Redemption Tour

Caleb Foster has been through the battles. He flashed real promise as a freshman, showing the poise and skill to suggest he could be Duke’s long-term answer at the point. But an untimely ankle injury cut short that first year, and his sophomore campaign was marred by inconsistency and shaken confidence.

Now a junior, Foster looks like a different player. The work he’s put in is obvious—up to 205 pounds from his earlier playing weight, his body has transformed, and his leadership voice has grown louder. Assistant coach Chris Carrawell didn’t hold back in his praise:

“He was in the gym, in the weight room, always on the court. His body looks phenomenal, like a gladiator. Muscles popping out of his neck. He’s talking more. From a leadership standpoint, we’ve really been pleased with his development.”

For Foster, the challenge will be translating that progress into game-changing consistency. He brings experience and defensive growth to the table, which could give him an edge in Scheyer’s system. But can he become the natural playmaker Duke needs at the one?

The Winner: Cayden Boozer’s Intangibles

Cayden Boozer may not have the same spotlight as his twin brother, Cameron, but his track record is impossible to ignore. His résumé reads like a blueprint for a winner: four straight Florida state championships, a Chipotle Nationals crown, three Peach Jam titles, and two gold medals with Team USA. Wherever Boozer goes, winning follows.

He may not be the flashiest or most athletic guard in the ACC, but that could play to his advantage. Like past cerebral point guards—Khalid El-Amin, Mateen Cleaves, Tyus Jones, and yes, Jon Scheyer Boozer’s greatest strength is his ability to think the game. He doesn’t need to overwhelm opponents physically if he can outsmart them.

The main concern is his perimeter shooting. But with scorers like Isaiah Evans, Darren Harris, and Cameron Boozer alongside him, that weakness may not matter this season. What Duke could gain in return is a steady hand, an unshakable competitor, and a player who elevates everyone around him.

Depth, Flexibility, and Scheyer’s Choice

The good news for Duke fans: this is not a situation of scarcity. With Foster, Boozer, Dame Sarr, and potentially Darren Harris or Nik Khamenia in the mix, the Blue Devils boast one of the deepest backcourts in the country. There’s even the tantalizing possibility of both Foster and Boozer starting together, reminiscent of the Jason Williams–Chris Duhon pairing that powered Duke’s 2001 squad.

Ultimately, the decision may come down to style:

• Foster offers strength, defense, and the experience of learning from past setbacks.
• Boozer brings a winning aura, high IQ, and the kind of intangibles that can’t be measured but often tip the balance in March.

And behind them, Scheyer has another weapon: former Duke guard Tyler Thornton, now on staff. Known during his playing days as a gritty, cerebral guard who out-thought opponents, Thornton is the perfect mentor for two players who will need brains as much as brawn to thrive.

The Verdict: A Season-Defining Competition

Duke’s talent is undeniable, with stars on the wings and in the paint. But history shows us one thing: when the Blue Devils have a strong point guard, championships follow. From Bobby Hurley to Jay Williams to Tyus Jones, the formula is clear.

This year, the Blue Devils’ destiny may hinge on whether Caleb Foster finally seizes the moment or Cayden Boozer accelerates his winning habits into the college game. Either way, Duke has options and that competition could be the very thing that transforms this team from dangerous to dominant.