Caleb Foster's unexpected return to Duke lineup pushes Blue Devils past St. Johns, makes Jon Scheyer emotional

Duke survived St. John’s to make it to the Elite Eight, but the Blue Devils wouldn’t have been able to do so if it weren’t for Caleb Foster.

The junior point guard returned to action in his first game since a serious foot injury and provided Duke important minutes off the bench. As the Red Storm’s defense pressured Duke’s offense all game, Foster provided a veteran presence that was crucial to the win.

For Duke to make another run at a national championship, it will need Foster to get back to form against tough competition. In fact, Foster’s return was so inspiring to head coach Jon Scheyer that Scheyer got emotional about it.

Here’s how Foster’s return sparked a Blue Devils win.

MARCH MADNESS HQ: Live NCAA bracket | TV schedule | Latest news and more

Caleb foster stats vs St. John's

• Minutes: 19
• Points: 11
• Rebounds: 3
• Assists: 2
• FGM-FGA: 5-8
• 3PM-3PA: 0-1
• FTM-FTA: 1-2

Foster gave Duke 19 minutes off the bench, but the Blue Devils needed every bit of it. Foster scored 11 points, three rebounds and two assists while settling down the offense with Cayden Boozer in foul trouble in the second half.

What was Caleb Foster's injury?

Caleb Foster suffered a fractured right foot in the final game of the regular season against North Carolina. The injury occurred on Saturday, March 7, and Foster underwent surgery a day later.

Foster suffered a similar injury during his freshman season, when he had a stress fracture in his right foot that forced him to miss the NCAA tournament. That year, Duke made the Elite Eight but was upset by NC State with a Final Four trip on the line.

What did Jon Scheyer say about Caleb Foster's return?

After the game, Duke coach Jon Scheyer was emotional when discussing Foster’s return with CBS reporter Tracy Wolfson.

“He had no business playing today,” Scheyer said. “That was one of the most special performances I’ve ever seen. He was incredible. His will, even in the huddles, what he was doing, and some big-time plays too. That’s a leader right there.”

How much time did Caleb Foster miss

Foster missed just under three weeks of action, as he was injured on March 7 and returned on March 27. That is despite fracturing his foot and undergoing surgery, which would normally keep players out for at least a month.

In 2024, Foster dealt with a similar injury that cost him NCAA tournament appearances during his freshman season. Foster missed nine games that year, four of which were in the NCAA tournament, as Duke lost in the Elite Eight that season.

Caleb foster season stats

• Games: 31
• MPG: 25.4
• PPG: 8.5
• RPG: 3.6
• APG: 2.8
• FG%: 44.2%
• 3P%: 40.2%
• FT%: 58.5%

Foster was Duke's starting point guard for the regular season, as he started 30 games on the year and has played over 25 minutes per game. While his numbers aren't eye-popping, his steady presence is crucial for Duke's offense.