KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Duke basketball fans, get ready. The Blue Devils have unleashed their newest sensation — and his name is Cameron Boozer.
In a thrilling exhibition showdown against No. 17 Tennessee, the No. 5 ranked Duke Blue Devils stormed back from a halftime deficit to claim an 83-76 victory on Sunday night at the Food City Center.
After trailing 43-37 at the break, Duke exploded in the second half, outscoring the Vols 46-33 behind the unstoppable energy and brilliance of Boozer — a freshman phenom who continues to prove why he’s already being talked about as the next face of college basketball.
Head coach Jon Scheyer couldn’t hide his pride after the game.
“It’s exactly what we wanted — a tough, gritty challenge early,” Scheyer said. “This team had to grow up fast tonight, and we did. I saw a ton of growth and resilience from everyone. We’ve got real depth, and I love where we’re heading.”
This was Duke’s second and final exhibition win before officially tipping off the 2025–26 season on Tuesday, November 4, against Texas at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte. The Blue Devils will then return home to Cameron Indoor Stadium on November 8 to host Western Carolina.
But the night in Knoxville belonged to one man — Cameron Boozer.
BOOZER’S BRILLIANCE: A FRESHMAN WITH A VETERAN’S HEART
Cameron Boozer was nothing short of dominant. He finished with a monstrous 24 points, 23 rebounds, and six assists, while drawing six fouls and controlling both ends of the floor like a seasoned pro.
The son of Duke legend Carlos Boozer, Cameron didn’t just live up to the name — he expanded it. His physicality, touch, and court awareness made him the best player on the court, and what’s most impressive is his humility afterward.
“I thought I could’ve finished better at the rim,” Boozer said after the game. “But you learn from it and move on. Still a great team win overall. Coming into this kind of environment and coming out with a win — that’s big. We’re ready for what’s next.”
Ready might be an understatement. If Boozer keeps performing like this, Duke’s “next” could be nothing short of a championship run.
EVANS AND NGONGBA CAME TO LIFE WHEN IT MATTERED MOST
While Boozer stole headlines, Isaiah Evans and Patrick Ngongba II gave Duke the spark it needed to flip the game in the second half.
Evans opened the period with a fierce dunk, followed by a Ngongba II three-pointer that electrified the Blue Devils’ bench. That 1-2 punch ignited a 12-4 Duke run that flipped the game completely. By the 18:14 mark, Evans hit a dagger three to give Duke its first lead — one they never gave back.
Evans finished with 22 points and five rebounds, including 16 points in the second half, showing poise and confidence under pressure. Ngongba II, who battled early foul trouble, was a force down low with 15 points and nine rebounds on a near-perfect 5-of-6 shooting.
Scheyer couldn’t have been prouder of their composure and development.
“The way Pat stepped up after a quiet first half was huge,” Scheyer said. “And Isaiah — his shot-making is special, but what stood out tonight was how well-rounded his game was. Five rebounds, energy, defense — he just competed. That’s the growth we want to see.”
This Duke team isn’t just talented — it’s deep. Every possession feels like a chance for someone new to shine. And in a tough road atmosphere, that depth became their secret weapon.
THE BLUE DEVILS’ TOUGHNESS IS GROWING FAST
What’s different about this Duke team is their mentality. Last season, the Blue Devils sometimes struggled with consistency, especially on the road. But against Tennessee — a physically tough, defensive-minded squad — Duke matched every punch.
They played through contact, won the rebound battle, and kept their composure even when trailing at halftime. That maturity is something Scheyer has emphasized all offseason, and it showed.
“We’ve got a young group,” Scheyer said, “but they’re fearless. They’re learning how to respond when things don’t go our way. And that’s what great teams do.”
With Boozer anchoring the paint, Evans providing perimeter firepower, and Ngongba II cleaning the glass, Duke’s core looks ready to dominate from Day One. Add in the leadership of veterans and the fire of Scheyer’s coaching, and this Blue Devils squad could be special.
THE FUTURE IS BRIGHTER THAN EVER AT CAMERON
Duke fans have seen legends rise before — from Grant Hill to Zion Williamson. But there’s a unique buzz around Cameron Boozer. He’s not just playing well; he’s commanding games. His combination of maturity, humility, and dominance at such a young age makes him a rare talent.
If this is what Duke looks like in October exhibitions, just imagine what November and March could bring. The Blue Devils are deep, dangerous, and determined — and if they continue to grow at this pace, the rest of college basketball should be on high alert.
For now, one thing is clear: Cameron Boozer isn’t waiting for the future — he’s building it right now.
