The Florida Gators’ frontcourt has something to prove - and they’re not hiding from it.
After a rough season opener that saw them give up 30 points to an opposing forward in an upset loss to Arizona, sophomore big man Thomas Haugh didn’t mince words. He made a promise - not just for himself, but for the entire group of Gator bigs.
“We can't let somebody like that come out here and score 30 points on us,” Haugh said. “It's not acceptable, and it won't happen moving forward.”
That vow gets put under the microscope Tuesday night in one of college basketball’s most hostile environments: Cameron Indoor Stadium. Florida is set to face a Duke frontcourt that doesn’t just bring size and skill - it brings NBA-level talent, led by a player already drawing No. 1 pick buzz.
Cam Boozer, Duke’s 6-foot-9, 250-pound freshman forward, is the headliner. And for good reason.
Through eight games, he’s been every bit the dominant force scouts expected - averaging 22.9 points, 9.8 rebounds, 3.9 assists, along with 14 steals and nine blocks. He’s not just bullying defenders in the paint; he’s stretching the floor too, knocking down 38.7% of his threes (12-of-31).
That blend of physicality, finesse, and basketball IQ has him projected as a lock for the top three in the 2026 NBA Draft - and maybe even No. 1 overall.
If Florida head coach Todd Golden had a say in it? He’d take Boozer first without hesitation.
“Cam's a different beast,” Golden said. “He's a sure-fire top-three pick in my estimation. I'd probably take him No. 1 if I was a GM.”
And Boozer isn’t alone. Lining up next to him in Duke’s starting frontcourt is sophomore center Patrick Ngongba II - a 6-foot-11, 250-pound anchor who may not have Boozer’s spotlight, but brings his own kind of impact.
A former five-star recruit, Ngongba is averaging 12.8 points and 6.5 rebounds in just under 23 minutes per game. He’s also shooting a blistering 67.3% from the field, making the most of every touch around the rim.
Together, Boozer and Ngongba form one of the most formidable frontcourt duos in the ACC - a blend of power, polish, and versatility that’s going to test every inch of Florida’s defensive resolve.
Backing them up is Maliq Brown, a Syracuse transfer now in his second year with the Blue Devils. While his scoring numbers (5.9 points per game) don’t jump off the page, Brown brings something that doesn’t always show up in the box score: smart, unselfish play.
He’s an above-average passer for his position and has a knack for keeping the offense flowing when the starters rest. Florida’s off-ball defenders will need to stay sharp - Brown can punish lapses with quick reads and crisp interior passes.
For Florida, this is more than just a tough road game. It’s a measuring stick. It’s a chance to respond to the kind of challenge Haugh alluded to - not with words, but with defense, toughness, and presence in the paint.
This Duke frontcourt is no joke. Boozer is already drawing comparisons to NBA-ready forwards with his all-around game, and Ngongba’s efficiency makes him a constant threat. Add Brown’s savvy off the bench, and it’s clear: this is the biggest test Florida’s bigs will face all season.
Now it’s time to see if that promise from Haugh holds up under the lights at Cameron.