Caleb Foster’s injury has now been confirmed as a fracture in his right foot. He has already undergone surgery and has begun rehabilitation just days after going down in Duke’s matchup against the North Carolina Tar Heels.
With the ACC Tournament about to begin and the Duke Blue Devils set to start their postseason in just a day, Foster’s absence is clearly significant.
Still, Foster made sure to send a hopeful message to his teammates and the Cameron Crazies, even though he will miss time during March Madness.
“I’m gonna be back, I’ll do whatever it takes. I’ll be back,” Foster told the team and staff, according to head coach Jon Scheyer.
Caleb Foster already looking toward a return to Duke
Whether Foster is suggesting a possible comeback if Duke manages to reach the Final Four in a few weeks—an unlikely scenario—or hinting at returning for a fourth season with the Blue Devils, his commitment to the Brotherhood should excite fans.
Foster is the most experienced player in Scheyer’s starting lineup, standing as the only junior in the group. He shares the lineup with sophomores Patrick Ngongba II—who is also sidelined for the ACC Tournament but is expected to return for the NCAA Tournament—and Isaiah Evans.
With both Foster and Ngongba expected to miss at least the next week, senior center Maliq Brown will bring postseason experience to the starting lineup, while freshman point guard Cayden Boozer is expected to take control of the backcourt.
While Foster’s absence is a blow, it doesn’t signal the end of the road for Duke this season. His averages of 8.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists—all career highs—have been a steady contribution for the Blue Devils.
Even so, players like star freshman Cameron Boozer have led Duke in many statistical categories this season.
The Blue Devils will open their postseason at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 12, beginning ACC Tournament play against the winner of the second-round game between Florida State and Cal.