Jon Scheyer Reflects on ‘Deeper Relationship’ With Caleb Foster After Challenging Season.

Jon Scheyer Reflects on ‘Deeper Relationship’ With Caleb Foster After Challenging Season.

 

DURHAM, N.C. — Duke head coach Jon Scheyer says the ups and downs of the 2024-25 season helped strengthen his bond with sophomore guard Caleb Foster, describing their current connection as “deeper” and more meaningful than ever.

In a candid media session following a summer team workout, Scheyer opened up about the growth he’s seen in Foster — not just as a player, but as a person — and how the trials of last season created a foundation of mutual trust and resilience.

“When you go through a rollercoaster year like that, with the injuries, the pressure, the expectations — it either breaks people apart or brings them closer,” Scheyer said. “With Caleb, it’s brought us closer. We have a much deeper relationship now.”

Foster, who arrived in Durham in 2023 as a five-star recruit, experienced a tumultuous freshman campaign. After a strong start to the season, he suffered a foot injury in February that forced him to miss the final stretch, including the NCAA Tournament. His absence was a significant blow to a Duke team that had Final Four aspirations.

Scheyer said the injury was a “gut punch” not only for the team but for Foster personally, who had been growing into a key playmaker. Still, the coach emphasized how Foster handled the adversity with maturity beyond his years.

“There were moments when it was hard — not being able to play, being on the sideline when all you want to do is help your team,” Scheyer said. “But Caleb never pulled away. He leaned in. He asked questions. He stayed involved. He showed leadership even when he wasn’t on the floor.”

According to Scheyer, that consistent communication and Foster’s attitude during recovery sparked more one-on-one conversations between the two — about basketball, personal goals, and dealing with pressure at one of the sport’s most visible programs.

“He’s someone who wants to be great, and he wants to be coached hard,” Scheyer said. “That’s not always the case with young players. We’ve had some real, honest conversations, and I think we both grew from that.”

Now back to full strength, Foster has looked sharp in off-season workouts, with Scheyer noting improved decision-making and physicality. With key departures from last season’s roster, Foster is expected to take on a larger leadership role heading into his sophomore year.

“He’s got a fire in him,” Scheyer said. “And I think everything he went through last year is going to make him a better player and a better leader.”

As Duke prepares for a new season with a talented but retooled roster, the relationship between Scheyer and Foster could be one of the guiding forces behind the team’s identity — forged not in moments of glory, but in moments of struggle.

“Sometimes, it’s the hard things that bring out the best in people,” Scheyer added. “That’s been true for Caleb. And it’s been true for me, too.”