The Latest Brotherhood Podcast Drops: Maliq Brown Spills All, and Caleb Foster Doesn’t Hold Back

The Duke basketball community has always been one of the most tightly-knit in all of college sports. From the storied history of players under Coach K to the vibrant personalities that now fill Coach Jon Scheyer’s locker room, the bond among Duke’s players is something that always resonates with fans and players alike. Every so often, however, we get a deeper look behind the curtain, a raw and unfiltered conversation that gives us a glimpse of what makes the Blue Devils tick. Enter the latest episode of the Brotherhood Podcast, where this time, we’re treated to a special guest: Maliq Brown, the dynamic forward who has quickly become one of the most talked-about players on Duke’s roster.

With host Caleb Foster guiding the conversation, Brown opens up about everything from his basketball journey to what it’s like being a Blue Devil and how he sees his role on the team as the 2023-2024 season approaches. But what really sets this episode apart is how candid Brown is. He dives deep into his experience as a Duke newcomer, his goals for the season, and how he’s pushing his own boundaries both on and off the court. What follows is a must-listen for fans and analysts alike, offering invaluable insight into one of the most exciting players in the ACC.

If you haven’t had the chance to listen yet, don’t worry—this post will bring you all the highlights from the latest Brotherhood Podcast episode, plus some deeper analysis on what this conversation means for Duke’s upcoming season.

From the moment Brown arrived in Durham, he knew that playing at Duke would be a different experience. While he had played for a top-tier program before at Syracuse, joining the ranks of the Blue Devils meant stepping into a legacy of greatness. Brown talks openly about his initial thoughts when he first joined the team, saying, “It was surreal, honestly. You come here, and you see all the banners, the history, the alumni—guys who have made such an impact in the NBA. It’s almost like you’re walking in the footsteps of giants.”

This feeling of awe didn’t last long, however, as Brown quickly realized that the expectations were sky-high—not just for Duke, but for every individual player. “There’s a sense of urgency when you get here,” Brown shares. “You can’t just coast; every day is a grind. It’s about improving, pushing yourself beyond your limits, because there’s always someone right behind you who’s ready to take your spot.”

But this realization didn’t scare Brown; instead, it motivated him. He speaks with clear determination when describing his adjustment to the Duke culture. “Coach Scheyer really sets the tone. He’s about developing you as a player, yes, but also as a person. There’s a lot of growth that happens on and off the court here,” Brown notes. This sense of mentorship from the coaching staff, especially from Scheyer, has had a profound impact on Brown’s mindset.

In the same breath, Brown highlights how the bond with his teammates, particularly those who have been at Duke a little longer like Caleb Foster, has made his transition much smoother. “The older guys really take you under their wing,” he explains. “Caleb [Foster] especially. We’re always pushing each other to be better. There’s a healthy competition within the team that makes us all better.”

As one of the newer faces on the team, the question surrounding Brown has always been about how he’ll carve out his role. He’s a forward with a versatile skill set—standing at 6’9″, Brown possesses the ability to stretch the floor, guard multiple positions, and finish around the rim. The question wasn’t whether he was talented; it was how quickly he could adapt to Duke’s fast-paced, demanding system and make an immediate impact.

“I’ve always considered myself a multi-dimensional player. I’m not just here to fill one role. I want to be someone who can impact the game in different ways,” Brown says. “Whether it’s on defense, grabbing rebounds, or making the right pass—if I’m not scoring, I still want to contribute in other ways.”

For the 2023-2024 season, Brown’s role will be crucial. With Duke’s offense likely to be built around its elite guards and wings, Brown’s job may be more focused on the defensive end. “My defense is something I take a lot of pride in,” Brown admits. “Coach Scheyer has given me the freedom to guard multiple positions. I can switch on defense, protect the rim, and use my athleticism to my advantage. That’s something I want to continue improving on.”

What sets Brown apart from many of his peers is his mindset. He isn’t worried about being the primary scorer or the go-to guy on offense. Instead, he sees his value as someone who can contribute in all areas, whether that’s setting screens, hitting open shots, or being a physical presence in the paint. His versatility gives Duke the luxury of adjusting its offensive and defensive schemes depending on the matchups.

But let’s not sell Brown short—his offensive game is improving. He’s worked diligently on his perimeter shooting and expanding his offensive arsenal, so don’t be surprised if you see more from him as a scorer this season.

While Brown talks at length about his own development, he doesn’t hesitate to credit teammates like Caleb Foster for helping him get to where he is. Foster, Duke’s highly-rated point guard, has become one of the team’s most trusted leaders both on and off the court. Brown speaks highly of his backcourt teammate, saying, “Caleb has really helped me settle in. He’s a true floor general. I love playing with him because he always knows where I am, he sees the game in a way that makes everything flow. He’s someone who challenges me to keep getting better every day.”

Foster’s leadership, both in terms of facilitating Duke’s offense and being a mentor to Brown, is a theme that comes up throughout the podcast. The chemistry between the two players, which was evident in the episode, reflects the larger dynamic within Duke’s locker room: one built on respect, trust, and a shared commitment to greatness. Brown’s confidence in his own game appears to be directly linked to his trust in Foster’s playmaking ability. “Caleb knows how to make plays for everyone,” Brown says. “He makes the game easy for me.”

Foster, for his part, reciprocates the admiration. “Maliq’s a real talent,” Foster states. “He’s got the tools, and he’s working hard to refine his game. We push each other all the time. He’s got the versatility to be an impact player in multiple aspects of the game, and it’s exciting to see him keep growing.”

One of the most captivating aspects of the podcast is when Brown reflects on the brotherhood within the Duke program. “It’s more than just basketball here,” he says. “The friendships and bonds we form on the court carry over into everything we do. That’s why I love being here. It’s not just a team—it’s a family.”

This is a sentiment that has been echoed by nearly every player who has come through Duke’s doors. The sense of brotherhood that Coach K fostered over decades is alive and well under Scheyer, and Brown’s words offer a rare, genuine insight into what life inside the Duke program is really like. The players aren’t just teammates; they’re part of something much bigger, something that transcends basketball.

Brown speaks candidly about how his personal growth is directly tied to the environment at Duke. “Coming here has changed me as a player, and more importantly, as a person,” he admits. “There’s something about the culture at Duke that makes you want to be your best. And that’s what we’re all striving for—being the best versions of ourselves on and off the court.”

As the podcast wraps up, both Brown and Foster share their excitement for the upcoming season. For both players, the stakes are high. With so much talent on the roster and the weight of Duke’s expectations always looming, they know that they have to be ready for the challenge. The chemistry between the two is palpable, and their leadership on and off the court will be critical as the Blue Devils aim for another deep run in the NCAA Tournament.

Brown’s role will be pivotal as Duke looks to build a championship-caliber team. With his defensive prowess, versatility, and growing offensive game, Brown could very well be the X-factor that propels Duke to greatness in 2023-2024. His maturity, combined with the leadership of players like Foster, puts Duke in a strong position to compete with the best teams in the country.

As for Brown, this podcast episode serves as a reminder that he’s just getting started. While he’s excited for what’s ahead, he’s also aware of the work that lies before him. “This season is about proving myself and helping this team win,” he says, reflecting on the larger goal. “I want to leave my mark at Duke, and I’m going to do whatever it takes to help us succeed.”

For fans of Duke basketball, the 2023-2024 season can’t come soon enough. But in the meantime, the latest Brotherhood Podcast offers a rare glimpse into the mind of one of the team’s most promising players. Be sure to give it a listen—this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.