In the world of college basketball, the Duke Blue Devils often find themselves as the team to beat come tournament time. This year is no different, but the road has been a bit bumpier with the injury to their starting point guard, Caleb Foster. Just when doubts began to creep in, Cayden Boozer stepped up in a big way.
While his twin brother, Cameron, usually grabs the headlines, Cayden is proving he's got NBA-level talent too. His performance against Siena was pivotal, ensuring the Blue Devils avoided an early exit. Coach Jon Scheyer couldn't help but praise Boozer's resilience and leadership, highlighting how he took charge when the team needed him most.
Cayden Boozer has become the linchpin for Duke following Foster's setback. Scheyer noted, “I just think it's his composure in these moments. Whether you have the opportunity or not, to play in the ACC Tournament in the moments he's been in, that kind of game like we had yesterday against Siena, you're either wired for it or you're not, and he is.”
In the tight comeback win over the Saints, Boozer emerged as the team's unsung hero. Despite initial struggles in the ACC Tournament post-Foster's injury, he's now averaging an impressive 17.0 points per game, shooting 52.5% from the field in his new role as the starting point guard.
Coach Scheyer also emphasized Boozer's ability to adapt and excel, stating, “His ability to get downhill for us, we've personalized and changed a couple things that we do to try to put him in a better position. But he's really the guy that's made it happen. I just love the aggressiveness, but then also the composure that he's had.”
As the Blue Devils gear up to face TCU in the Round of 32, they're hoping to have forward Patrick Ngongba II back on the court. While Cameron Boozer is sure to draw attention once more, it might just be Cayden who plays a crucial role in Duke's championship dreams.