Duke's Caleb Foster scores 11 points in Sweet 16 win just 3 weeks after foot fracture

Coach Jon Scheyer gets emotional describing Foster's 'special' performance in comeback from injury.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 2:00am

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Duke point guard Caleb Foster, who suffered a right foot fracture on March 7, scored 11 points in the second half to help the Blue Devils defeat St. John's 80-75 in the Sweet 16. Duke coach Jon Scheyer was visibly emotional in his postgame interview, praising Foster's determination and leadership in returning to play without participating in any 5-on-5 practices.

Why it matters

Foster's unexpected return and impactful performance just three weeks after his foot injury was a major boost for Duke, which had been playing without one of its key starters. His comeback highlights the Blue Devils' resilience and the toughness of their players as they continue their NCAA tournament run.

The details

Foster suffered the foot fracture in Duke's regular-season finale against North Carolina on March 7. The Blue Devils initially said he would be out indefinitely, raising questions about whether he would be able to return at all this season. However, Duke announced this week that Foster was questionable to play in the Sweet 16 game against St. John's, and he ended up logging 18 minutes, including 12 in the second half as Duke overcame a 10-point deficit.

  • On March 7, Foster suffered a fractured right foot in Duke's game against North Carolina.
  • In the days before the ACC tournament, Duke said Foster would be out indefinitely.
  • This week, Duke said Foster was questionable to play in the Sweet 16 game against St. John's.
  • On March 24, Foster returned to action and scored 11 points in the second half to help Duke defeat St. John's 80-75.

The players

Caleb Foster

Duke's starting point guard who suffered a right foot fracture on March 7 but returned to play in the Sweet 16 just three weeks later.

Jon Scheyer

The head coach of the Duke men's basketball team, who became emotional in his postgame interview describing Foster's performance.

Patrick Ngongba II

A Duke player who also missed time with a right foot injury but returned to play 17 minutes against St. John's.

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What they’re saying

“He had no business playing today. He was determined, that was one of the most special performances I've never seen.”

— Jon Scheyer, Duke Head Coach

What’s next

Duke will face the winner of the Gonzaga vs. UCLA matchup in the Elite Eight on March 26.

The takeaway

Caleb Foster's gutsy return from a foot fracture to contribute 11 crucial second-half points in Duke's Sweet 16 win showcases the Blue Devils' resilience and determination as they continue their NCAA tournament run. Foster's leadership and toughness in overcoming his injury to help his team advance is an inspiring story for college basketball fans.