Duke fans wondered how anyone could replace Cooper Flagg after his historic freshman season that led to the Final Four.
Now, an insider reveals what Duke’s coaching staff really thinks about Cameron Boozer, and the assessment might surprise many college basketball fans.
Duke Staff Says Boozer Has Exceeded All Expectations
Athletic reporter Brendan Marks, who covers the Blue Devils closely, recently shared exclusive insights about Cameron Boozer during a CBS Sports college basketball podcast. The insider revealed what Duke’s coaching staff has been saying about their new five-star freshman recruit.
Marks shared what the staff told him about the forward’s early performance. “If you ask the staff, you ask people in the building, he’s been even better than they thought he would be, which is saying something.”
This praise means a lot considering Boozer entered Duke as the No. 3 recruit in the country. The 6’10” forward from Miami averaged 22.6 points and 12.0 rebounds per game as a senior while leading his team to a 30-3 record and Chipotle Nationals championship.
Boozer’s high school resume includes four consecutive Florida state titles and 100 double-doubles during his career. He also earned MVP honors at the 2024 FIBA U17 World Cup, averaging 20.1 points and 9.9 rebounds while leading Team USA to gold.
However, the Blue Devils’ coaching staff remains realistic about the challenge ahead. Marks noted that coaches understand “it is going to be impossible to replicate what Cooper Flagg did” during his memorable freshman campaign.
Staff Plans Boozer as Offensive Centerpiece
Despite acknowledging the tough task of replacing Flagg, Duke’s coaching staff has big plans for their new star. Marks revealed that the freshman will serve as the centerpiece of the Blue Devils’ offense this season.
Marks believes Boozer will produce at an elite level from Day 1. “I think he’s going to be like a nightly threat to be a double-double,” Marks said. He projects the forward as a 17-18-point-per-game scorer, which would be comparable to his 21.1 career average from high school.
Duke plans to maximize the forward’s versatility by giving him significant freedom on offense. They will let him handle the ball and initiate plays, similar to how they used Flagg last season across multiple positions.
Marks noted that the staff sees Boozer as a complete offensive weapon who can impact games in multiple ways. They envision him operating from various positions while serving as a passing hub for his teammates throughout each contest.
Marks believes the freshman can achieve greatness at Duke. “I think he’s going to be the next sort of, you know, top three pick who’s come through Duke and has been a superstar,” he said.
While Boozer may not be Flagg, the Blue Devils’ coaching staff clearly believes he has the talent to keep their championship hopes alive.
