Blue Devil Faithful Eager for Familiar Fire: Returners Evans, Foster and Ngongba Ignite Fan Excitement Ahead of Duke’s August Open Practice

DURHAM, N.C. — With the calendar flipping to August, excitement is reaching a fever pitch in Durham as Duke basketball prepares to open the doors of Cameron Indoor Stadium for its highly anticipated open practice. As fans begin to trickle back into town, one buzz dominates the conversation among the Blue Devil faithful: the return of key players from last season’s squad. In a program defined by legacy, passion, and excellence, Duke fans are more than ready to witness the next chapter—one written by familiar hands.

The returners have taken center stage this offseason, with Tyrese Proctor, Caleb Foster, and Sean Stewart among those whose decisions to come back have electrified the fanbase. Even in a program accustomed to sending talent to the NBA early, the commitment of these athletes to another season in Duke blue is seen as a sign of unfinished business—and it’s a rallying cry that the fanbase has responded to with unwavering enthusiasm.

Proctor, the crafty guard from Australia, has perhaps generated the most anticipation. Known for his poised court vision, perimeter defense, and developing offensive game, his sophomore campaign saw steady improvement, even amid injury setbacks. Now, fully healthy and with a leadership role firmly in his hands, Proctor enters his junior year with sky-high expectations. For many fans, he’s the engine that will drive Duke’s tempo and set the tone on both ends of the court. “Tyrese is a pro already,” said longtime fan Michael Hopkins of Durham. “The way he sees the floor and commands the game—he reminds me of the best Duke point guards. I can’t wait to see what he does with the keys to the car.”

Caleb Foster is another name frequently mentioned in fan conversations. The dynamic 6’5” guard showed flashes of brilliance during his freshman year, including clutch shooting and impressive athleticism in transition. Though his role was occasionally inconsistent due to a crowded backcourt and injuries, Foster’s ability to impact the game in multiple ways has not gone unnoticed. This offseason, reports from team workouts suggest he’s taken major strides in consistency and decision-making, and fans are expecting him to be a breakout star in 2025. “I think Foster’s going to be the x-factor,” said Ashley Lattimore, a Duke alum. “We’ve seen his potential, but now that he’s more confident and settled, I think we’re about to see something special.”

While Duke’s guards are drawing most of the headlines, big man Khaman Maluach and returning forward Sean Stewart are quietly emerging as fan favorites. Stewart, a bouncy 6’9” forward, spent much of last season as a high-energy bench contributor, thriving in rebounding and hustle plays. But the buzz around campus this summer suggests a more refined version of Stewart is ready to take on a more prominent role. His athleticism and defensive versatility give Duke something it lacked at times last year: a physical presence capable of switching onto smaller players and protecting the rim.

Fans haven’t forgotten about Christian Reeves either. The 7-footer missed significant time with injury last season but has drawn attention with offseason footage showcasing his recovery and renewed confidence. While still considered a project in terms of offensive polish, Reeves’ sheer size and length offer exciting possibilities for a Duke frontcourt that hopes to dominate the paint.

This year’s roster also brings in top-ranked freshmen like Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 overall recruit in the nation, and a transcendent talent in his own right. While Flagg is stealing national headlines, Duke’s fanbase seems equally—if not more—energized by the mix of new stars and tested returners. “It’s amazing to have Flagg, obviously,” said Jay Williamson, a season ticket holder for 22 years. “But what makes this team so dangerous is the guys who’ve already been through it. They know what it takes. They’ve felt the pain of coming up short. They’re hungry.”

The open practice, scheduled for August 17, is expected to draw thousands. It offers fans their first glimpse of the 2025 squad in action, and for returners like Proctor, Foster, and Stewart, it’s a chance to show how much they’ve grown—and how ready they are to lead. With the departure of standout center Kyle Filipowski to the NBA, the returning core is being asked to shoulder more responsibility, both on the scoreboard and in the locker room. That transition, according to head coach Jon Scheyer, has already begun. “Our returners have been incredible this summer,” Scheyer said in a recent press conference. “They’ve set the tone in workouts, they’ve welcomed the freshmen, and they’re all playing with a chip on their shoulder. They want to win, and they want to win big.”

Fans who have followed Duke for decades understand the power of experience. The Blue Devils’ last national title in 2015 came with a mix of elite freshmen and gritty veterans, a balance that this year’s team seems poised to replicate. Returners provide continuity in a constantly changing college basketball landscape—and at Duke, continuity is proving to be gold.

Social media has only amplified the hype. Highlight reels of Proctor’s court sessions, behind-the-scenes footage of Foster’s shooting workouts, and glimpses of Stewart’s thunderous dunks have circulated widely among Duke fans, fueling expectations with every repost. In the Blue Devil Nation forums, fans are already debating starting lineups, rotations, and who might have the inside track to be the team’s emotional leader. For most, it comes back to trust in the returners. “When you have guys who came back—not because they had to, but because they wanted to finish the job—that says everything about the culture Jon Scheyer is building,” said Maria Jensen, a Duke fan from Charlotte.

Scheyer himself has made it clear that the returning players are the foundation for this year’s campaign. In media availability last month, he emphasized their role in mentoring the incoming class and helping raise the program’s standards. “It’s not just about what they do on the court,” he said. “It’s how they lead. It’s how they push each other and hold each other accountable. That’s the difference between a good team and a great one.”

As the countdown to open practice begins, the sense of anticipation among the Duke faithful is undeniable. The returners are not just familiar faces—they are battle-tested warriors who understand what it means to wear the jersey. They’ve tasted defeat, celebrated hard-fought wins, and learned the lessons only experience can provide. Now, they return not just to play, but to lead.

And in a college basketball landscape where loyalty is increasingly rare, that loyalty is being met with deep appreciation. The open practice in August won’t just be about basketball—it will be a celebration of resilience, commitment, and the kind of passion that has defined Duke basketball for generations.

From the rafters of Cameron Indoor to the roaring bleachers of Krzyzewskiville, one message is clear: the Blue Devil faithful are ready, and they believe. The returners are back—and with them, Duke’s pursuit of glory is very much alive.