I’m not sure if it was the plan for Duke point guard Caleb Foster to play 18 minutes in his first game back since having surgery earlier this month on his fractured right foot, but that’s what the Blue Devils’ needed from his in order to defeat a tough St John’s team.
After the 80-75 win, Foster scooted to his postgame press conference with his left knee and right foot iced up. It was a battle and Foster led his squad to victory.
“I wanted to come out and provide anything possible, experience or whatever the team needed,” Foster said. “I didn’t know what we needed or what to expect, but just providing a boost out there any way I can.”
Caleb provided more than a boost. When the Blue Devils found themselves in a ten point hole, it was Foster to confidently told his teammates in the huddle that they were going to win the game and then proceeded to score Duke’s next seven points.
“He told us to calm down, we’re going to win this game,” freshman Dame Sarr told us. “He had the ball and I felt like we were going to win the game and that’s what we did.”
When asked Saturday about Foster’s recovery after such a brutal outing, head coach Jon Scheyer said he’s doing well.
“He’s doing well. For us, he’s not doing anything on the court today. Even for these guys, it’s been more of a walk-through day getting ready. First time playing in a few weeks he’s sore and recovering like you would expect, but nothing concerning.”
Nothing will change with Duke’s starting lineup when they take on UConn Sunday for a spot in the Final Four and that’s how Scheyer wants it.
“We want him to just continue to be himself. His leadership, his ability to get downhill, just making plays for himself and really more of what he did yesterday.”
Tip off for the Elite 8 bout is 5:05 pm.
