Duke basketball has stormed through one of the toughest non-conference slates in the nation, and they’ve done it with flair, composure, and an undefeated record. Sitting at 10-0 after gritty wins over Florida at home and Michigan State on the road, the Blue Devils are proving they’re not just good—they’re special. With only Texas Tech left as a ranked opponent before ACC play, Duke has positioned itself as a legitimate national powerhouse with depth, discipline, and superstar talent leading the way.
Below are the three biggest reasons Duke is soaring—and why this team feels destined for something historic.
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1. CAMERON BOOZER: THE FRESHMAN PHENOM TAKING OVER COLLEGE BASKETBALL
If you didn’t know Cameron Boozer before the season, you know him now. And if you thought the hype was too big? It wasn’t big enough.
Boozer has been nothing short of spectacular, leading Duke in virtually every major statistical category and delivering in the moments that define great players. It’s incredibly rare for a freshman to become the stabilizing force of a top-three team, yet Boozer has embraced that role with poise beyond his years.
His performance against Michigan State encapsulated everything he is: resilient, unshakable, and clutch. After scoring only two points in the first half, Boozer erupted for 18 points, 15 rebounds, and 5 assists, completely taking over the final stretch of the game. When Duke needs a bucket or needs someone to make the right decision, Boozer has become the automatic primary ball-handler. His assist to Caleb Foster and the perfectly timed pass that sent Isaiah Evans to the free-throw line for three were winning plays made by a player who never looks rushed.
Early in the season, critics wondered whether Boozer could thrive against high-major length and athleticism. Those doubts didn’t last long. His efficiency has skyrocketed, his confidence is surging, and his impact is undeniable. At this point in the season, he looks like the clear frontrunner for National Player of the Year—yes, as a freshman.
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2. JON SCHEYER: A COACHING MASTERCLASS IN CONTROL, ADJUSTMENT, AND EXECUTION
Jon Scheyer deserves enormous credit for Duke’s undefeated start. His fingerprints are all over this team’s identity: disciplined, locked-in defensively, unselfish, and offensively sharp.
One stat says everything about Scheyer’s approach: Duke is operating heavily in the halfcourt—by design. Against Michigan State, 68 of Duke’s 74 possessions were halfcourt possessions. Florida was 70 of 75. Arkansas was 71 of 80. Scheyer has intentionally slowed the pace when needed, ensuring the team runs crisp, structured offense rather than getting sucked into frantic, inefficient play.
And in crunch time? Duke has become execution perfection.
Every critical possession against Michigan State ran through Boozer, and Scheyer repeatedly dialed up a now-signature action: Boozer handling with Isaiah Evans coming to set a real, physical screen. This duo is nearly impossible to defend. Boozer demands a big defender, and Evans is far too quick and skilled for bigs to switch onto. Defenses have to commit two players to Boozer, leaving Evans completely free. That exact action produced the game-winner against Florida and the game-sealing moments against Michigan State.
Scheyer’s offensive creativity has expanded too—flares, staggered screens, ghost actions, and smart spacing that leverage Duke’s passing ability and shooting depth. This is a team that understands how to manipulate defenses, and that’s a direct reflection of its head coach.
Defensively, Scheyer’s switch to a flat 3-2 zone against Michigan State was brilliant. Recognizing the Spartans were playing with four non-shooters, he pivoted midgame to completely disrupt their rhythm. Michigan State had no answers, and Duke’s run to close the game started right there. It was a veteran move from a coach who continues to grow and evolve.
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3. DEPTH ON DEPTH ON DEPTH: A TEAM WHERE ANYONE CAN BE THE HERO
One of the most dangerous traits a championship team can have is depth—and Duke has it in abundance. Every game, someone new steps into the spotlight.
Against Florida and Michigan State, it was Nik Khamenia and Isaiah Evans. Caleb Foster played one of his best halves of the season vs. the Spartans and followed it up with another outstanding showing against Florida. Patrick Ngongba delivered toughness and consistency in the Arkansas and Florida matchups. Dame Sarr has flashed in key stretches, and Maliq Brown continues to make winning hustle plays that often don’t show up in the stat sheet but completely change momentum.
Scheyer knows Boozer will bring elite production night after night, but the second star changes depending on the matchup—and that unpredictability is a nightmare for opposing coaches. Isaiah Evans has emerged as the go-to clutch shot-maker, while the rest of the rotation brings toughness, versatility, and unselfishness.
And how good has Caleb Foster been lately? He’s attacking the rim, rebounding with real force, and taking on the challenge of guarding the opponent’s best perimeter player—and clamping them. His confidence is rising at the perfect time.
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Duke is undefeated for a reason. They have the superstar. They have the coach. They have the depth. And perhaps most importantly, they have the swagger of a team that believes it can beat anyone.
If this is just the beginning, it’s going to be a thrilling ride in Durham.
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