Gatorade Player of the Year Cameron Boozer believes Duke basketball is overlooked heading into 2025-26, but insists that perception will change once the season starts and Duke shows its true strength.

As college basketball gears up for the 2025-26 season, expectations swirl around many powerhouse programs. But one name quietly gaining attention for his insightful take on the Blue Devils is none other than Cameron Boozer—the Gatorade Player of the Year and one of the most promising young talents in the sport. Boozer believes Duke basketball is currently underestimated heading into the new season, but he is confident that once the action starts, the nation will recognize the true potential and strength of the Blue Devils.

In this article, we’ll delve into why Cameron Boozer thinks Duke is flying under the radar, what makes this Duke team special, and how the season might unfold to change the narrative around the program.

Cameron Boozer: A Rising Star’s Perspective

Cameron Boozer has made waves as a young phenom in the basketball world. His exceptional skill, basketball IQ, and work ethic have already earned him prestigious accolades, including the Gatorade Player of the Year award—a recognition given to the nation’s top high school athletes for their athletic excellence, academic achievement, and exemplary character.

With his finger on the pulse of college basketball’s recruiting and competitive landscape, Boozer’s opinion carries weight. He’s not just a star waiting to enter the college ranks; he’s a keen observer of the game and a student of how teams evolve.

Why Boozer Believes Duke Is Overlooked

Heading into the 2025-26 season, the general conversation around college basketball favorites tends to focus on programs with recent championship success or heavy preseason hype. Schools like Kansas, Kentucky, North Carolina, and others often dominate the narrative due to their historical prominence and strong recruiting classes.

Duke, despite its storied history and consistent success under Coach Mike Krzyzewski and now his successors, finds itself somewhat underappreciated in this cycle. Boozer points to several reasons why the Blue Devils are flying under the radar:

1. Recent Inconsistencies: Duke’s performances in the past few seasons, while still strong, have had some ups and downs. This has caused some analysts and fans to question whether the program is truly back to its dominant form.

2. Media Narrative: The media spotlight tends to favor programs with flashy freshmen or headline-grabbing recruits, and Duke, while still recruiting well, hasn’t captured the same level of immediate buzz as some other teams entering 2025-26.

3. New Coaching Dynamics: With the recent coaching transition from the legendary Coach K to a newer staff, some uncertainty remains about how quickly the program will regain its trademark dominance, causing some to underestimate Duke’s immediate potential.

4. Depth and Development: Boozer highlights that Duke’s roster might not be getting the respect it deserves in terms of depth and player development. The team’s returning players and incoming recruits have the tools to be very competitive, but that narrative hasn’t fully taken hold.

The Talent and Tools Duke Brings to the Court

Despite the skepticism, Boozer is bullish on Duke’s prospects, and here’s why:

• Elite Recruiting Class: Duke continues to attract top-tier talent. Their recruiting classes consistently rank among the nation’s best, blending high school stars with players who bring unique skills and versatility.

• Player Development: Duke’s program has a well-earned reputation for developing players into NBA-ready talent. This focus on growth and improvement means that even players who might start under the radar can become key contributors.

• Experienced Core: While some parts of the roster are fresh, Duke also benefits from returning players who have gained valuable experience. This mix of youth and experience is a key factor Boozer sees in the team’s favor.

• Versatile Coaching Staff: The new coaching staff brings fresh energy and ideas while respecting Duke’s winning culture. Boozer believes this combination will foster an environment where players thrive and the team adapts well against various opponents.

How the Season Will Change Perceptions

Boozer insists that the current overlook of Duke won’t last once the 2025-26 season gets underway. He envisions several scenarios in which Duke will demonstrate its true strength:

• Big Wins in Early Non-Conference Play: Early-season tournaments and non-conference games are often where perceptions are shaped. Duke’s ability to secure impressive wins against top teams will force analysts and fans to take notice.

• Dominance in the ACC: The Atlantic Coast Conference remains one of college basketball’s most competitive leagues. Duke’s success against conference rivals will be a major indicator of their resurgence.

• Player Breakouts: Several Duke players have the potential to make significant leaps in performance. When those breakout performances come, it will spotlight Duke’s talent and coaching excellence.

• Deep NCAA Tournament Run: Ultimately, postseason success defines many college basketball legacies. A strong showing in March Madness will validate Duke’s status and silence doubters.

Boozer’s Take on Leadership and Team Chemistry

Beyond the X’s and O’s, Boozer emphasizes the intangible factors that contribute to a winning team—leadership and chemistry. He believes Duke’s players possess strong leadership qualities that will unify the team and help navigate the inevitable challenges of a long season.

Team chemistry is often underrated in preseason analysis, but Boozer notes that Duke’s culture—rooted in respect, accountability, and competitive spirit—is a powerful asset that will help them gel quickly and maintain resilience.

What This Means for Cameron Boozer

As a highly touted recruit himself, Boozer’s insights also reveal his aspirations. His belief in Duke’s program could foreshadow his own college decision or at least his admiration for a program that aligns with his values of hard work, development, and winning culture.

If Boozer does join Duke or faces them as a competitor, his understanding of their underrated potential adds an intriguing layer to the 2025-26 season’s narrative.

Broader Implications for College Basketball

Boozer’s perspective also highlights a larger trend in college basketball—how preseason narratives can sometimes overshadow the realities on the court. Teams like Duke, with strong programs but less media hype, often prove their mettle through grit, development, and strategic execution.

This underdog storyline is compelling and reminds fans and analysts to look beyond rankings and buzz when assessing a team’s true capabilities.

Final Thoughts

Cameron Boozer’s confidence in Duke basketball heading into the 2025-26 season is a compelling reminder that preseason perceptions don’t always tell the whole story. With elite talent, strong leadership, and a committed coaching staff, Duke is poised to shake off the underdog label and remind the basketball world why they are perennial contenders.

As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on how the Blue Devils respond to the challenge—whether they can exceed expectations, capture key victories, and rekindle the fierce Duke pride that has defined the program for decades.

For fans, analysts, and players alike, the 2025-26 Duke basketball season promises to be one of revelation and excitement. And as Cameron Boozer aptly puts it, the overlooked status won’t last long.