Caleb Foster’s Potential Return: Will Duke’s Point Guard Make It for Sweet 16?

As the Duke Blue Devils gear up for their Sweet 16 matchup against St. John’s on Friday night, the spotlight turns to the status of starting point guard Caleb Foster. Would his miraculous comeback be on the horizon?

Unlikely But Not Impossible

Head coach Jon Scheyer hinted at an "outside chance" for Foster’s return during an interview with CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein. Foster, who underwent surgery for a fractured right foot on March 8, has been spotted in a protective boot during the NCAA Tournament’s opening rounds. However, Scheyer expressed optimism, saying:

“When he first got hurt, I thought there was like, one in a million. Since then, the chances have continued to increase. I even think there’s an outside chance, maybe for Friday. I know in Caleb’s mind it was last Friday. He’s trying to do the impossible here and come back as soon as he can.”

Injured Duke Blue Devils guard Caleb Foster looks on while wearing a walking boot during a game against the North Carolina Tar Heels.

The Freshman Surge: Cayden Boozer Steps Up

While the hope for Foster’s return lingers, the Blue Devils have a solid backup plan in Cayden Boozer. The freshman has stepped in admirably, proving to be an asset during Foster’s absence. Key highlights of Boozer’s performance include:

• 19 points in a come-from-behind victory against Siena.
• Only nine turnovers across five games as a starter.

Despite his impressive numbers, Boozer lacks the experience and shot-making ability that Foster brought to the court. Before his injury, Foster averaged 8.5 points and 2.8 assists with a commendable 40.2% shooting percentage from beyond the arc.

Duke Blue Devils guard Caleb Foster drives toward the basket while being defended by a Notre Dame player.

Team Updates: Other Injuries and Comebacks

In addition to the uncertainty surrounding Foster, the Blue Devils celebrated the return of starting center Patrick Ngongba II for their second-round victory over TCU. Ngongba, who missed the ACC Tournament due to foot soreness, played a pivotal role off the bench, contributing:

• 4 points
• 4 rebounds
• 4 assists in just 13 minutes of play

His return provides a much-needed boost to the Blue Devils as they advance further into the tournament.

Conclusion

As Duke prepares for a critical Sweet 16 clash, the potential return of Caleb Foster remains a captivating storyline. While precautions are wise considering his recent foot surgery, his drive to return adds an air of excitement as the tournament progresses.

For updates and more in-depth coverage of the NCAA Tournament, visit CBS Sports and stay tuned to the latest news surrounding the Blue Devils.

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