Duke’s summer buzz has plenty to do with the usual expectations around Jon Scheyer’s program, but one freshman in particular is starting to stand out for the way he talks about his game.
Joaquim Boumtje-Boumtje, the five-star center who most recently played at FC Barcelona, has already become a name to watch as the Blue Devils continue their offseason work. Duke landed him over interest from other major programs, and his skill set is drawing notice for reasons that go beyond the standard big-man profile.
On a recent podcast with Dame Sarr, Boumtje-Boumtje was asked to break down his own game, and he didn’t sound interested in being labeled as just one type of player.
"I think I'm just an all-around guy," he said. "I can do whatever I need.
I can shoot the ball. I can dribble the ball.
I can pass the ball. I can make plays on defense.
If you ask me to do something, I can do it. I'll learn how to do it.
"I really don't know if I can be put in a box."
That kind of answer fits the appeal. Boumtje-Boumtje has the size to work as a post presence, but what makes him intriguing is how much more he brings.
He can pass, put the ball on the floor, attack the lane and stretch the floor with an outside shot. In theory, that gives Duke options to use him not only at center, but also as a 3, a 4 or a 5.
The bigger picture around Duke hasn’t changed much: the Blue Devils are still being talked about like one of the favorites to win it all. After the painful Elite Eight loss, the program heads into the new season with the No. 1 recruiting class, a strong transfer portal group and important returning pieces. Boumtje-Boumtje is just one part of that mix, but he’s already making it clear he doesn’t want to be viewed as a one-dimensional freshman.
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ACC Scrambles For New Money As Duke Faces Bigger SEC Gap
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