Duke isn’t just winning games - they’re evolving. And that evolution is what’s made them one of the most dangerous teams in college basketball right now. It’s not about one signature win or a viral highlight; it’s about steady growth, smart adjustments, and a coaching staff that’s figuring out how to unlock the full potential of a loaded roster.
At the heart of Duke’s rise is head coach Jon Scheyer, who’s quietly put together one of the most well-coached teams in the country. And perhaps the most important adjustment he’s made this season? Handing the keys - or at least a good chunk of them - to Cameron Boozer.
Scheyer’s not new to the idea of running offense through his most dynamic player. Last season, he leaned on Cooper Flagg’s playmaking ability, using him as a ball handler in pick-and-roll situations roughly 5.5 times per game, according to Synergy Sports. This year, he’s tapped Boozer for a similar role, though to a slightly lesser extent - about 3.3 pick-and-rolls per game.
But that number might be trending up, and for good reason.
Boozer has emerged as Duke’s most reliable creator. He’s not just scoring - he’s facilitating, reading defenses, and making the right play more often than not.
In January alone, he averaged 4.5 assists per game and recorded at least three assists in every contest. That’s not just solid production for a big; that’s point guard-level orchestration.
And that’s exactly the point.
Duke’s biggest question mark coming into the season was traditional point guard play. It’s a valid concern in today’s game, where elite guard play often separates contenders from pretenders.
But Boozer’s development as a point forward has helped neutralize that issue. He’s not a conventional lead guard, but his feel for the game, vision, and decision-making have made him the engine of this offense.
It wasn’t always this smooth. Early in the season, Boozer had moments where his passing instincts weren’t quite there - missed reads, forced passes, the kind of stuff you expect from a young player adjusting to a new role. But credit to him and the coaching staff: they stuck with it, and the payoff has been huge.
This shift doesn’t just help Duke win now - it also sets Boozer up for the next level. NBA teams love versatility, and a 6’9” forward who can initiate offense, run pick-and-rolls, and make smart reads? That’s gold.
So while rankings are always up for debate - and whether Duke is the No. 4 team or better is a conversation that’ll play out in March - what’s clear is that this team is trending in the right direction. They’ve got the talent, they’ve got the coaching, and now they’ve got a blueprint that works.
As long as they stay healthy and keep building on what’s working, Duke won’t just be dangerous in March - they’ll be a problem.