Fans flooded the mailbag with eager and loaded questions this week—following Cooper Flagg’s dazzling freshman season and departure to the NBA, how will Duke’s frontcourt shake out? Can Cameron Boozer immediately step into those massive shoes? What about minutes, rotations, and the new identity of Jon Scheyer’s retooled Blue Devils?
Let’s unpack the conversation around the hottest frontcourt story Duke hoops fans are buzzing about.
1. Cooper Flagg’s Shadow—and the Boozer Challenge
There’s no ignoring it: Cooper Flagg wasn’t just a great rookie—he was arguably the best freshman in college basketball this past season. National Player of the Year, ACC Player and Rookie of the Year, all-American accolades… Flagg’s exit leaves a void both statistically and emotionally.
But there’s already confidence that it can be filled—entry: Cameron Boozer, the incoming freshman sensation and son of Duke legend Carlos Boozer.
CBS Sports analyst Matt Norlander lays out the case clearly:
“He’s more powerful than Flagg… a better rebounder… possibly a better rim protector.”
“But Flagg had agility, instinct, elite weak-side defense”—so they’re not identical, but maybe complementary.
This isn’t just idle hype. In his final high school seasons, Boozer was dominant: four state championships and two Mr. Basketball USA honors. His physical maturity separates him—he’s NBA-ready big man strength with advanced fundamentals.
Duke fans are buzzing: can this powerful presence be the linchpin that keeps Duke among elite teams?
2. Battle for Buckets: Who Starts?
The opportunity for Boozer is huge—and that’s reflected in schemes and projections. With Caleb Foster, Isaiah Evans, and veteran returners already in place, the frontcourt rotations could be both deep and dynamic.
FanSided projects Boozer to slot next to Pat Ngongba as Duke’s new starting four-man, anchoring the frontcourt while freshmen Dame Sarr and Nikolas Khamenia contribute off the bench—particularly after a key transfer target stayed in the NBA draft.
Add Cayden Boozer, Cameron’s twin and a skilled point-of-attack guard, and it’s not crazy to envision a smooth, homegrown frontline that flows seamlessly into a new era—proudly maintaining Duke’s championship push.
3. Beyond Comparison: Building a New Identity
The Flagg-to-Boozer transition isn’t just about replacing talent—it’s about crafting a new team identity. Where Flagg lived in a spotlight of defensive versatility and highlight athleticism, Boozer brings raw power, rebounding dominance, and a classic post presence.
Film rooms are buzzing that Boozer’s size and physical tools already give Duke a look both rugged and polished. “Freshman Cameron Boozer…projects to start at the four… replacing national player of the year Cooper Flagg,” wrote The Chronicle.
So the forecast is less “replacement rookie” and more “powerful evolution.” Fans anticipate a Blue Devils team that can survive inside battles rather than simply chase transition offense.
4. What Mailbag Readers Are Asking
Will Boozer struggle under the pressure of replacing Flagg’s stats?
With his pedigree, maturity, and mindset, experts believe Boozer is ready to shine—supported by high-level veterans and guided by Scheyer’s system.
Can the frontcourt rotation be deeper than ever?
With bigs like Maluach, Ngongba, and the Boozer twins, Duke could go seven or eight players deep—and still lock up boards.
Will chemistry suffer with so much youth upfront?
It’s a valid concern—but Duke has experience returning players, and the shared legacy (Boozers, Flagg) could spark rapid cohesion.
5. Final Thought: A New Chapter Begins
The overwhelming tenor of fan discussion? Duke is on the cusp of something thrilling.
Yes, losing Cooper Flagg stings. But rather than signal a collapse, it’s a launching pad for the Duke of 2025–26—a lineup stacked with athleticism, size, and injected with youthful confidence in Boozer as the new frontcourt anchor.
This baptism by hype—and expectation—is the stuff of Duke lore. Scheyer may just have another chapter ready to write.
