5-star Boozer: Duke ‘overlooked,’ but not for long: Five-star prospect and incoming Duke freshman Cameron Boozer told ESPN on Wednesday the Blue Devils have been “overlooked” this offseason following the departures of Cooper Flagg and other NBA talent.

Duke University basketball has long been a symbol of excellence and dominance in college basketball. Over the past few decades, Coach Mike Krzyzewski, and more recently, Jon Scheyer, have helped to shape the program into one of the most successful and revered in the country. However, as is the case with many elite programs, times of transition present new challenges and questions. For Duke, the offseason following the departures of key talents such as Cooper Flagg and several NBA-bound players has raised concerns about whether the Blue Devils can maintain their elite status in the coming season.

Yet, in the midst of these questions, there is a fresh wave of optimism, largely fueled by one of the most highly anticipated incoming freshmen in the nation: Cameron Boozer. A 5-star prospect and consensus top-3 recruit for the class of 2024, Boozer has the potential to quickly become a transformative player for Duke, and he’s ready to prove that, despite some skepticism, the Blue Devils are far from being “overlooked” in the world of college basketball.

Boozer’s statement to ESPN earlier this week—“Duke’s been overlooked this offseason”—might raise some eyebrows, especially given that the program is always under the spotlight. However, the nuance in his comment speaks volumes. Duke has always been a target for rival programs, the media, and even their own fans, constantly scrutinized for their on-court success and failures. So, when a program like Duke faces an offseason where they lose NBA-level talent like Flagg, there’s often a natural tendency to downplay their immediate future.

The departure of such high-profile players as Cooper Flagg, who many expected to be the next big thing in college basketball, along with several other players heading to the NBA, has created a void in the Blue Devils’ roster that many see as too large to fill. The question circulating is whether Duke can reload once again, especially after a year where expectations fell short of a national championship. With so many question marks, the common perception is that the Blue Devils are poised for a down season, which Boozer firmly rejects.

For Cameron Boozer, this isn’t a time for doubt but a moment to seize the opportunity. As the son of former NBA player Carlos Boozer, Cameron has grown up around the game and developed an understanding of the high stakes and challenges of elite basketball. But more than just his pedigree, Boozer’s game speaks for itself. Standing at 6’9″ and boasting a versatile skill set that makes him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses, Boozer is considered a generational talent in the making. His ability to play both inside and out, combined with his strong defensive presence, has many projecting him to make an immediate impact in college basketball.

Boozer’s comments regarding the Blue Devils being “overlooked” aren’t simply a reaction to external perceptions but also a challenge to his teammates, his coaches, and the broader college basketball world. It’s an affirmation that, despite the departures of big names, Duke’s legacy of excellence remains intact, and it will take more than just roster changes to diminish the program’s impact.

In fact, one could argue that the Blue Devils have never been more positioned to surprise people than they are now. Scheyer, now entering his second year as the head coach after taking over from the legendary Coach K, faces pressure to prove that the program is in good hands. This period of transition offers him a chance to mold the team in his own image, free from the long shadow of his predecessor. And while much of the national spotlight has been on other programs and their flashy recruiting classes, Duke has quietly built a roster that has the potential to compete at the highest level.

Boozer’s presence on the team is the centerpiece of this new era. While there are other talented players on Duke’s roster, including returning stars and incoming freshmen, it’s Boozer’s leadership, maturity, and skill set that could be the key to a successful season. His basketball IQ is off the charts, a quality that will enable him to thrive in Scheyer’s system, which emphasizes spacing, movement, and ball-sharing. While Duke may have lost some star power, they’re far from lacking in talent.

One of the areas where Boozer’s skills could shine is his versatility. Not only does he possess a solid post game that will allow him to dominate in the paint, but he’s also capable of stepping outside and hitting mid-range jumpers, a rare trait for a player of his size. This will allow Duke to operate with a flexible offensive system, one that isn’t strictly tied to any one style of play. Boozer will be able to fit into any number of lineups, from small-ball groups to traditional big-man-heavy rotations, making him an asset in almost any situation. It’s this flexibility that excites Coach Scheyer, who will likely lean on Boozer to anchor the offense and defense for his team.

Of course, Boozer is not the only talent coming to Durham. Alongside him, Duke is welcoming several other highly ranked recruits, including a strong supporting class of top-tier freshmen. However, the difference between Duke and many other programs isn’t just the talent coming in—it’s the way the team is built around that talent. With a mix of veteran experience and young stars, the Blue Devils are poised to reload quickly. While many teams may have struggled to find chemistry after losing key players, Duke has a knack for developing cohesion even when the pieces seem to be in flux.

But what about the criticism that Duke is “overlooked” because of the team’s performance last season? While it’s true that Duke didn’t meet some of the high expectations placed on them in 2023, there were still plenty of bright spots. The Blue Devils advanced to the NCAA Tournament, and despite an early exit, they showed flashes of brilliance that hinted at the program’s potential to return to form. This was especially evident in their key wins against top-tier teams in the ACC. And when you factor in the arrival of Boozer and the rest of the 2024 class, Duke’s trajectory looks far more promising than many outsiders realize.

When Boozer talks about Duke being “overlooked,” it’s likely a reflection of the way the media and analysts have jumped to conclusions about the program’s future. Many experts, understandably focused on the loss of talent to the NBA, have been slow to recognize that Duke’s strength has always been its ability to adapt and bounce back. It’s true that losing Cooper Flagg, a player seen by many as a once-in-a-generation prospect, was a blow to the program’s immediate future. However, the culture of excellence at Duke has always been about more than just individual players. It’s about the system, the structure, and the mentality that has been instilled in every athlete who wears the Blue Devils jersey.

One area where Duke has consistently excelled is in player development. Whether it’s creating NBA-ready players or preparing them for the challenges of a rigorous college schedule, Duke has long been a place where players not only improve their game but grow as individuals. That is something that Boozer, with his basketball IQ and work ethic, will undoubtedly benefit from as he embarks on his college journey. While the Blue Devils may have faced a few bumps in the road last season, Boozer and the new class will help to re-establish the program’s standing among the nation’s elite.

The pressure on Boozer will be immense, but he seems more than capable of handling it. Coming from a family with deep basketball ties—his father, Carlos Boozer, played in the NBA for over a decade—Cameron is accustomed to the high expectations that accompany being a top prospect. However, he is also mature beyond his years. His comments about Duke being overlooked are not just bravado; they’re a testament to his belief in himself and his new teammates. This mindset will help him thrive under the spotlight, and it will be crucial in ensuring that Duke exceeds expectations in 2024.

As the season progresses and Cameron Boozer takes the court for the first time, expect him to quickly prove that Duke is far from being “overlooked.” Whether it’s through his scoring, leadership, or sheer presence on the court, Boozer has the potential to turn the Blue Devils’ fortunes around in a way that many haven’t anticipated. While the team may have faced criticism this offseason, don’t expect that to last for long. With Boozer leading the charge, Duke will make its mark and once again cement itself as one of college basketball’s true powerhouses.

In a world where early-season predictions and media narratives often shape the storylines, the truth remains that programs like Duke thrive in the face of doubt. And when all is said and done, the Blue Devils will remind everyone why they are always contenders, regardless of the offseason chatter. The future is bright in Durham, and with Boozer at the helm, it’s only a matter of time before Duke reminds everyone just how dominant they can be. The overlooked are often the ones who rise up the fastest, and in this case, Duke is poised to prove that in grand fashion.