Maliq Brown Amazed by Talented Duke Basketball Newcomer Who’s Already Turning Heads with Skill, Work Ethic, and On-Court Maturity

For returning junior forward Maliq Brown, the new season of Duke basketball is filled with promise. After a strong sophomore campaign where he emerged as a consistent defensive force and high-energy contributor off the bench, Brown is stepping into more of a leadership role for the 2025–26 Blue Devils. But even as he gears up for the most pivotal year of his college career, one thing has caught his attention more than anything else: a certain freshman who’s already impressing players and coaches alike.

“From the very first practice, I was like, ‘Okay, this dude is different,’” Brown said with a wide grin. “I’ve seen a lot of good players come through here, but what he’s doing as a freshman—it’s special. You don’t see that every year.”

The freshman in question? Five-star guard Jaden Marsh, a 6-foot-5 phenom out of Atlanta, Georgia, ranked among the top five recruits in the 2025 class.

A Freshman Who Plays Like a Veteran

It’s not just Marsh’s highlight-reel dunks or his silky jumper that have people buzzing around Durham—it’s the way he carries himself.

“He plays like he’s already been here,” Brown explains. “He doesn’t force things. He defends. He communicates. He asks questions. He just gets it. And that’s rare.”

During Duke’s closed-door scrimmages this summer, Marsh consistently stood out—not just for his scoring, but for his poise under pressure and court awareness. One assistant coach, speaking anonymously, even described Marsh as “a young Brandon Ingram with the mind of a senior.”

And it’s not just talk. Marsh averaged 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists per game during Duke’s recent European exhibition tour—numbers that reflect his versatility and impact on both ends of the floor.

But for Brown, the stats are secondary to the attitude.

“Jaden’s the type to show up early, leave late, and still ask if there’s more film to watch,” Brown says. “You want to play next to a guy like that. He makes everybody better.”

The Makings of a Star

At just 18 years old, Marsh has already faced intense pressure. Hailing from a basketball-crazy family—his older brother played for Kentucky and is now in the G League—he was accustomed to the spotlight before even stepping foot on campus.

Still, the transition to Duke wasn’t guaranteed to be smooth. Marsh had to adjust to the speed of the college game, new schemes, a new city, and the academic demands of a top university. But according to those close to the program, he handled it with maturity beyond his years.

“He’s the kind of guy who walks in the gym and immediately raises the standard,” says head coach Jon Scheyer. “He’s hungry. He wants to be coached. He’s not afraid of criticism. That’s what makes him coachable—and potentially great.”

Scheyer, who’s entering his third year as Duke’s head coach, has seen his share of elite freshmen. But he says Marsh’s mix of humility and fire makes him unique.

“He listens like a role player and plays like a star. That’s a dangerous combination—in the best way,” Scheyer says.

Earning Respect Early

In college basketball, earning the respect of your peers is just as critical as earning minutes on the court. For Marsh, that process has come naturally.

“He’s never walked in the locker room acting like he’s above anyone,” Brown says. “He jokes with the walk-ons, lifts with the vets, and competes every drill like it’s a Final Four game.”

Brown recalls one summer scrimmage where Marsh took a hard foul going to the rim but bounced up with a smile and knocked down two free throws.

“That’s when I knew he was built for this,” Brown said. “No flinching, no complaining. Just business.”

Several returning players have commented on Marsh’s leadership instincts, rare for a player who hasn’t even played an official college game yet.

“He already runs the second unit like a floor general,” senior guard Tyrese Proctor noted. “That tells you all you need to know.”

The Work Behind the Hype

For all the natural talent Marsh brings to the table, those around him are quick to point out that none of it comes without effort. Marsh’s days start early and end late. He’s regularly spotted shooting solo in Cameron Indoor at 6 a.m., headphones on, perfecting the same corner three over and over again.

“He treats practice like it’s a privilege, not an obligation,” says strength coach Michael Eaton. “You can’t teach that.”

Assistant coach Chris Carrawell says Marsh’s film study is “off the charts” for a freshman.

“He’s always breaking down tape, asking about spacing, pick-and-roll reads, defender tendencies,” Carrawell said. “He wants to learn everything.”

Marsh himself downplays the praise.

“I just want to win. Whatever that means—defense, passing, being vocal—I’m willing to do it,” Marsh said in a recent interview. “This team has guys who’ve been in big games. I’m here to learn from them and contribute however I can.”

Maliq Brown’s Message to the Freshman

Brown, now one of Duke’s emotional leaders, says he sees part of himself in Marsh—even if they play different positions.

“I remember being wide-eyed my first year, trying to soak everything in,” Brown says. “So I’ve been trying to be that big brother, give him little tips, keep him grounded. But honestly, he doesn’t need much—he’s already got that focus.”

Brown believes Marsh’s ceiling is “sky-high,” and says he wouldn’t be surprised if the freshman ends up as one of the best guards in the nation before season’s end.

“He’s already got NBA tools,” Brown adds. “But what’s scarier is his mentality. He’s just wired right. If he stays healthy and keeps that chip on his shoulder, there’s no telling how far he’ll go.”

A Team with Chemistry and Championship Goals

The synergy between veterans like Brown and newcomers like Marsh bodes well for Duke’s championship hopes this season. With a roster full of talent, experience, and unselfish playmakers, the Blue Devils are widely seen as a Final Four contender.

But to reach that level, chemistry is everything.

“We’ve been working hard to build trust, on and off the court,” Brown says. “Whether it’s team dinners, pickup games, or just talking through plays—it all adds up.”

Coach Scheyer agrees. “We’ve got a group that cares about winning. That starts with leaders like Maliq, and gets carried forward by guys like Jaden.”

Eyes on the Prize

With the season opener just weeks away, Marsh is projected to start or play heavy minutes off the bench depending on matchups. Either way, all signs point to a major impact from Day One.

“I don’t care if I start or not,” Marsh said. “I just want to earn my spot, help this team win, and give it everything I’ve got.”

As for Brown, he’s excited—not just for Marsh, but for the team’s overall direction.

“This group has something special,” he says. “And I think Jaden’s going to be a huge part of that.”

Every season at Duke brings a new batch of talent, hype, and pressure. But this year, there’s a calm confidence in the air. And for veterans like Maliq Brown, seeing a freshman like Jaden Marsh thrive so quickly is not just a good sign—it’s a spark.

“He’s amazed me, for real,” Brown says. “And I’ve got a feeling he’s going to amaze a lot more people before this season’s over.”

The countdown is on.