Duke Basketball Provides All-Access Look at Squad Introduction

The Duke basketball team is now preparing to face its first exhibition opponent.
Duke basketball sophomores Patrick Ngongba II and Isaiah Evans
Duke basketball sophomores Patrick Ngongba II and Isaiah Evans | Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images

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Almost a week after the latest edition of the Duke basketball program's annual Countdown to Craziness festivities, the Blue Devils' social media team completed and posted a cinematic recap of the talent-rich 2025-26 squad's formal introduction to its rabid fanbase in Cameron Indoor Stadium.

The 18-minute look back at Countdown to Craziness popped up on the program's YouTube channel on Thursday in the form of 2025-26 Duke Blue Planet Episode 5. Following a shoutout to The Brotherhood from current five-star Blue Devil freshman forward Cameron Boozer, the video includes views from the players' walk through Krzyzewskiville ahead of the night's on-court action:

Those festivities featured the players' individual introductions and the Blue-White scrimmage, the last intrasquad action in front of fans before the exhibition slate tips off later this month.

After squaring off against UCF in Cameron on Oct. 21 at 7 p.m. ET (ACCNX), the Blue Devils will wrap up their exhibition schedule when they head to Tennessee to face the Volunteers on Oct. 26 at 7 p.m. ET (ESPN2).

Just Weeks Away From the 2025-26 Duke Basketball Campaign

Apr 4, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer during a practice session for the Final Four of the 2025 NCAA tournament at Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Then, as Duke basketball head coach Jon Scheyer spoke about at ACC Tipoff in Charlotte this week, things get real in a hurry for his squad, which features the nation's No. 1 recruiting class and a handful of returning talents, including projected sophomore starters Isaiah Evans and Patrick Ngongba II.

"For me, it's actually hard to believe we're already in this moment where we're playing games in a couple of weeks," Scheyer noted. "Start of the season is less than a month."

Duke basketball head coach Jon Scheyer
Duke basketball head coach Jon Scheyer | Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images

His Blue Devils, projected to rank among the top 10 in the preseason AP Top 25 Poll, open their regular season when they battle Texas in Charlotte's Spectrum Center on Nov. 4 at 8:45 p.m. ET (ESPN).

  • "We've had a big-time offseason," Scheyer said, "focused on individual development from everything from their bodies to their skills to, most importantly, how to be connected together, and that's in every way possible.
Apr 3, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Duke head coach Jon Scheyer talks to the media at the Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images | Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
  • "We know it's going to be a really difficult schedule that we have to play, but these guys are up for the challenge...So thankful for this group that we have. Really believe in this team. Now, it's a matter of getting connected, building that continuity, and developing a great toughness for the games that we're going to play."

Stay tuned to Duke Blue Devils On SI for more Duke basketball news.


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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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