Incoming Duke freshman Cameron Boozer isn't buying the idea that the Blue Devils have taken a step back. Despite a Final Four run last season and a talented mix of veterans and newcomers returning, Boozer believes the national conversation hasn't given Duke its due.
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"I think we have a special group," Boozer told ESPN. "I think we're very overlooked right now, but once the season starts, that'll change for sure."
The 6-foot-9 forward was one of the most sought-after recruits in the country and headlines Duke's incoming class alongside his twin brother, Cayden. Both were five-star prospects, and both will be counted on early as Duke retools after losing top freshmen Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel to the NBA Draft.
Still, Boozer is confident the group in Durham has enough to make another deep March run — and possibly win it all for coach Jon Scheyer.
"I feel like we will be the best team in the country," Boozer said. "So that puts a huge chip on us that people are overlooking us, saying we're not the team we were last year. I feel like everyone will see that once the season comes."
Boozer, the son of former Duke All-American and longtime NBA forward Carlos Boozer, said he watched closely as the Blue Devils fell to Houston in the national semifinals this past April in San Antonio.
"I was definitely shocked when it happened and kind of the way it happened for sure," he said. "But once the game ended, we knew it was going to be on us now to get the team back there."
Sources close to the program say Boozer's game resembles that of former Duke standout Paolo Banchero, who helped lead the Blue Devils to the Final Four in 2022. Banchero recently signed a max rookie extension with the Orlando Magic.
While Boozer may be just starting his college career, he's already taken on a leadership role during offseason workouts and team practices. He said the group is bonding well, with defense, chemistry and competitiveness as its foundation.
"Playing together, playing hard, defending, competing — we're going to be in a spot to get [to the Final Four] just like they did last year," Boozer said.
