Caleb Foster, the rising sophomore guard for the Duke Blue Devils, has broken his silence following the unexpected decision of one of his former teammates to enter the NCAA transfer portal. The Blue Devils’ locker room has seen a wave of changes in recent months, as college basketball continues to navigate the ever-evolving dynamics of player movement, NIL deals, and early NBA declarations. For Foster, who experienced a whirlwind freshman season filled with flashes of brilliance and moments of adversity, the departure of a teammate he once called a brother hits close to home.
While Foster did not directly name the player in his public comments, it’s widely believed he was referring to fellow backcourt mate Jeremy Roach, who shocked many by entering the portal after four seasons with Duke. Roach, the veteran point guard and team captain, had become a symbol of stability during a period of transition for the program, spanning the late stages of Mike Krzyzewski’s tenure and the early rise of head coach Jon Scheyer. His decision to explore options elsewhere reverberated through the fanbase and among players, especially those like Foster who had shared the court and locker room with him.
Speaking to reporters during a spring workout session, Foster acknowledged the emotional impact of the decision. “It’s tough, man. You build chemistry, trust, a real brotherhood with these guys. Jeremy taught me a lot — not just on the court, but off it too. I get it, though. Everybody’s got their own path, and you’ve got to respect that.”
Foster, who averaged just under 8 points and 2 assists per game in his freshman campaign, is expected to take on a much larger role for Duke in the upcoming season. With Roach gone and Tyrese Proctor likely declaring for the NBA Draft, the Blue Devils’ backcourt will be undergoing a major transformation, and Foster is seen as a key piece in the reshuffling. His maturity and measured response to Roach’s departure speaks volumes about his leadership potential heading into year two.
“It opens up new opportunities,” Foster added. “For all of us. I’m locked in on being the best version of myself and helping lead this team where we want to go. We’ve got some dogs coming in, and I’m excited to play alongside them.”
Indeed, Duke’s 2024 recruiting class is once again loaded, featuring several top-50 prospects who can contribute immediately. With Foster now positioned as one of the more experienced guards on the roster, his development and ability to step into a lead role will be closely monitored by both fans and scouts. Many expect he could be a breakout star in the ACC, especially if he builds on his late-season performances, which showed increased confidence and aggressiveness in both scoring and playmaking.
As for Roach, his destination remains uncertain, though he has reportedly garnered interest from several high-major programs across the country. Some speculate he could join a team in need of veteran leadership and tournament experience, especially after his strong showing during Duke’s March Madness run. Wherever he lands, Foster made it clear there’s no bad blood.
“I’ve got nothing but love for Jeremy,” Foster said. “We shared a lot of memories here, and he helped lay the foundation. Now it’s on us to keep building.”
The broader story here goes beyond just one transfer. It’s a reflection of how fluid today’s college basketball landscape has become. Players are more empowered than ever to make decisions that suit their individual goals, whether that’s more playing time, a better fit, or a change in environment. For programs like Duke — traditionally known for long-term player development — it’s a balancing act between embracing that new reality and maintaining the core values that made them a powerhouse.
In the end, Foster’s reaction was a blend of professionalism, respect, and quiet confidence. He’s not just moving on — he’s stepping up. And with a new season on the horizon and fresh faces arriving in Durham, he knows the spotlight will be brighter and the expectations higher. But if his response to adversity is any indication, Caleb Foster might just be ready to lead the next era of Duke basketball.
