Duke basketball is placing big hopes on Maliq Brown, their defensive “menace,” to make a major impact this season. But here's where it gets controversial: with key players like Cooper Flagg gone and a lack of star-studded NBA prospects, Duke must reinvent itself—and defense is the cornerstone of that transformation.
Caleb Foster, a Duke player, emphasized at the ACC Tipoff event that the Blue Devils will rely heavily on their defensive strengths this year. He pointed out the team's length and versatility as key attributes that could help them become a tough defensive unit. And when asked who the best defender is, Foster didn’t hesitate: “The Freak,” referring to Maliq Brown.
Brown, standing at 6-foot-9, is a forward who head coach Jon Scheyer describes as a “defensive menace.” The hope is that Brown will be ready or nearly ready to play when the season kicks off on November 4, 2025, against Texas in Charlotte. Last season, Brown suffered a dislocated shoulder and then reinjured it in the ACC Tournament. This limited his minutes in the NCAA Tournament, where he had only brief appearances against Arizona, Alabama, and finally Houston in the Final Four.
Brown shared that his offseason rehab addressed his shoulder problems, but he has recently missed practices due to knee soreness. While he can participate in some individual drills, he has been held out of full scrimmages, with his return being evaluated on a week-to-week basis.
Scheyer remarked that Brown is close to returning, but the coaching staff hasn't yet seen the full roster together due to his absence. This presents a challenge, as the team hasn’t fully experienced what it’s like to have Brown on the court, which is something Scheyer is eager to see.
Why is Brown such a key defensive player? When Brown is playing, Duke has a player who can disrupt opponents significantly—whether by forcing bad shots, deflecting passes, or creating turnovers. Brown does what coaches call "all the dirty things" on defense.
At Syracuse, Brown led the ACC with 71 steals in the 2023-24 season and earned a spot on the ACC All-Defensive team because of his disruptive style. His long arms make it nearly impossible for opponents to avoid his reach, a fact Foster demonstrated with a smile, showing how Brown can snatch the ball even when it seems out of reach.
But Brown’s journey hasn’t been smooth. He first injured his shoulder during a February 17 game at Virginia last season—a frustrating blow, especially with many family members having traveled 45 miles to support him. Brown described the injury as a "freak accident" that occurred while trying to steal the ball. After missing four games, he returned wearing a shoulder brace and felt decent at the start of the ACC Tournament in Charlotte. Although he knew there was a risk the shoulder could dislocate again without surgery, Brown chose to push through, not wanting to let down his teammates during a strong season.
Unfortunately, during the ACC quarterfinal against Georgia Tech, Brown was hurt again. In that same game, Cooper Flagg also suffered a sprained ankle, forcing both players to watch from the sidelines as Duke captured the tournament title. The team’s eventual loss to Houston in the national semifinals was a tough pill to swallow—they had been so close to their first national championship since 2015. Brown admitted the disappointment still fuels them: "We still have a chip on our shoulder because of the way last season ended."
As Duke rapidly lost several key players to the NBA, including Flagg, Kon Knueppel, Khaman Maluach, Sion James, and Tyrese Proctor, Scheyer moved quickly to reshape the roster. The team now includes five returning players and five newcomers, including freshman twins Cameron and Cayden Boozer.
Brown and Foster have stepped up as team leaders. They've organized team bonding activities like dinners at The Commons in Durham—where they often spend hours—and bowling outings. Brown said the freshmen have adapted well to college life and the Duke environment. "We wanted to make sure they all felt comfortable and that this place is their home away from home," he explained.
Scheyer, entering his fourth year as Duke’s head coach, sees promise despite acknowledging that this might be the least experienced team in the ACC. "I’ve seen a great hunger in this group, which makes me confident," he said. While he wishes for more experience, Scheyer values the combination of skill sets and talent that fit the way Duke wants to play. He believes this team has that.
Maliq Brown will be a crucial part of Duke’s strategy this year. He is healing and preparing to contribute significantly. The injuries have given him a fresh appreciation for the chance to play: "I just want to get my body right and have a good senior year," he said. "It’s about living in the moment and not taking anything for granted."
And here's the part most people miss: Brown’s defensive impact could shape Duke’s new identity in unexpected ways. Is focusing so much on defense at the expense of an offensive star lineup the right move? Could this strategy backfire? What do you think—should teams prioritize defense as Duke is doing, or chase star power? Let us know your thoughts below.
Chip Alexander, a veteran sports journalist with over four decades at The News & Observer, has covered top Carolina teams including N.C. State, UNC, Duke, and East Carolina, and now also reports on the Carolina Hurricanes. With numerous awards for his work, Alexander has documented pivotal moments like the Hurricanes’ move to North Carolina in 1997 and their 2006 Stanley Cup run.
