Duke’s latest basketball sensation, Toby Fournier, is already making waves in his first year with the Blue Devils, and he’s not shy about his goals. The 6’7” freshman has been turning heads with his athleticism, skill set, and ability to impact games right out of the gate. As Duke continues to build toward another strong March Madness campaign, Fournier sat down to talk about his first year on campus, his high hopes for the tournament, and—of course—teased fans with a glimpse of what may be his very first college dunk.

A Stellar Start: Adjusting to Life at Duke

Coming into Duke as one of the most highly touted recruits in the nation, Toby Fournier knew there would be pressure to perform right away. But despite the weight of expectations, the freshman has been nothing short of impressive during his first few months at the prestigious program.

“It’s been surreal,” Fournier admits with a smile. “The competition, the fans, the history—it’s all been incredible. But the biggest adjustment has definitely been getting used to the speed of the game at this level. High school was one thing, but when you’re playing against some of the best players in the country every single practice and game? It’s a whole different beast.”

Despite the challenges, Fournier has quickly become a key contributor for Duke. Whether he’s coming off the bench or starting, his versatility on both ends of the floor has already earned him the trust of head coach Jon Scheyer. Fournier’s ability to stretch the floor with his shooting, along with his elite athleticism, has given Duke an extra dimension, and the Blue Devils are thriving with his dynamic playstyle.

“It’s been amazing being a part of this team,” he says. “The culture here is all about working hard, staying disciplined, and always striving to get better. Every day in practice, I’m learning from some of the best players in the game, and that’s just making me a better player overall.”

March Madness Aspirations: ‘We’re Ready’

As March Madness looms, Fournier’s excitement is palpable. Duke is consistently one of the top teams in the country, and with players like him contributing in big ways, the Blue Devils have a legitimate shot at cutting down the nets in the NCAA Tournament.

“We’ve got a lot of talent on this team, and we’ve been playing really well,” Fournier says with confidence. “But it’s all about timing. We’ve got to peak at the right moment, and that’s what I’m focused on. March Madness is a whole different vibe—anything can happen, and we’re ready to make a deep run.”

Duke’s path to the tournament will rely on continued team chemistry, sharp execution, and a commitment to defense. Fournier, known for his hustle and effort on both ends, knows the Blue Devils have the tools to go all the way. “We’ve got a lot of guys who can step up when the moment comes, and it’s about staying locked in and executing at a high level,” he says. “I think we’re built for a deep run.”

Fournier’s individual aspirations are high too. He’s focused on continuing to develop his game, making an impact when it matters most, and proving that his decision to come to Duke was the right one.

“The ultimate goal is to win it all,” Fournier adds. “But I’m also taking it one game at a time. I’m just trying to contribute to the team in whatever way I can.”

The Dunk Tease: ‘It’s Coming Soon’ 👀

For fans who have been watching Fournier closely, there’s one thing they’ve all been waiting for: his first college dunk. The freshman forward, known for his explosive athleticism, has been teasing his social media followers with clips of his high-flying dunks during practice. And while he’s yet to pull one off in a game, Fournier says it’s only a matter of time.

“Yeah, I’ve been getting a lot of questions about that,” Fournier laughs. “It’s definitely coming soon. I’ve been saving it for the right moment—when the crowd’s hyped, when the game’s on the line, that’s when I’m going to unleash it. But trust me, it’s coming. I’m working on it every day in practice.”

His enthusiasm about the upcoming dunk shows just how much he embraces the big moments. It’s clear that Fournier doesn’t shy away from the spotlight, and when that dunk finally happens, Duke fans will be ready to erupt.

“I’ve had a few close calls,” Fournier continues with a grin, “but the first one is going to be special. I can’t wait for everyone to see it.”

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future at Duke

While his first season at Duke has been filled with excitement, Fournier is already focused on the long-term journey ahead. The freshman has shown the potential to develop into a future NBA prospect, and his commitment to improving each day has set the stage for a bright future.

“I’m focused on getting better every day,” Fournier says. “There’s always room for improvement, and I want to be the best player I can be—not just for Duke, but for myself. I’ve got a long way to go, but I’m excited for what’s to come.”

As for his immediate future? Well, Fournier has his eyes set on March Madness, and with the Blue Devils positioned to make a serious run, the first-year star could play a key role in his team’s quest for another national title.

Duke fans will be keeping a close eye on Fournier’s journey, eagerly awaiting his first college dunk and the bigger moments to come. The Blue Devils’ season is far from over, and with players like Fournier leading the way, the future is looking very bright in Durham.