’25 Summer Shootaround: Cameron Boozer isn’t Cooper Flagg, but he might be almost as good for Duke this season

Podcast Summary: Eye On College Basketball Episode: ’25 Summer Shootaround: Cameron Boozer isn’t Cooper Flagg, but he might be almost as good for Duke this season
Release Date: August 13, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of CBS Sports' Eye On College Basketball podcast, hosts Matt Norlander and Gary Parrish delve deep into the Duke Blue Devils' prospects for the upcoming season. Joined by Brendan Marks from The Athletic, a Triangle-based expert on the Duke program, the trio explores last season's performance, the impact of key players and recruits, coaching strategies, and sets expectations for what's to come.

Recap of Last Season’s Duke Blue Devils

Matt Norlander opens the discussion by reflecting on Duke's impressive performance in the previous season. Despite a strong showing with a 35-4 record and securing the number one spot in several metrics like KenPom and ESPN's Evan Gordon rankings, Duke faltered in the Final Four.

Matt Norlander [07:15]: "Cooper Flag, wherever you want to slot him, he's one of the five best freshmen of the century joining Anthony Davis."

Brendan Marks concurs, highlighting the rarity of having an entire starting five drafted, something Duke achieved last year. However, he points out that this accomplishment alone doesn't place them in the top tier of all-time great teams.

Analysis of Final Four Loss to Houston

A significant portion of the conversation centers around Duke's heartbreaking loss to Houston in the Final Four. The hosts dissect the final moments where Duke was outscored dramatically by Houston in the closing minutes, leading to their exit from the tournament.

Brendan Marks [09:38]: "Not a single one."
Matt Norlander [09:40]: "Exactly."

Brendan emphasizes that Duke failed to win a single one-possession game last season, attributing this to strategic shortcomings and the inability to capitalize on key opportunities, especially by their star freshman Cooper Flag.

He reflects on the emotional impact of the loss, recounting firsthand observations of Duke fans and the palpable shift in their demeanor from hopeful to devastated as the game unraveled.

Evaluation of Coach John Shire

The podcast shifts focus to Coach John Shire, evaluating his performance over his three-year tenure. Both Matt and Brendan give Shire high marks, though they acknowledge areas needing improvement.

Matt Norlander [19:22]: "He's the rare example in all of American sports where he has replaced the guy and just passed the test with flying colors on a level that few other coaches can ever match."

Brendan praises Shire's recruiting prowess and his ability to maintain high standards, noting significant roster construction strategies that have kept Duke competitive. However, they agree that Shire needs to enhance his "end game" strategies to prevent future collapses in high-stakes moments.

Roster Rundown and Incoming Freshmen

A substantial segment of the episode is dedicated to analyzing Duke's current roster and the impact of incoming recruits, particularly Cameron Boozer.

Brendan Marks [37:58]: "He has to be the clear cut, best player on this team. If he comes out of the gate and he's maybe not efficient from three and teams can sag off him, that changes a lot for Duke."

Cameron Boozer, ranked third nationally by 247 Sports, is expected to be a pivotal player for Duke. His combination of size, shooting ability, and passing skills makes him a potential leader alongside Cooper Flag. Brendan discusses how Boozer's versatility on both ends of the floor could compensate for last season's offensive shortcomings.

Additionally, the discussion touches on other freshmen like Kaden Boozer and Sebastian Wilkins, as well as transfers from Princeton and Rice, evaluating their potential contributions to the team’s depth and performance.

Predictions for the Upcoming Season

Looking ahead, Matt and Brendan present their projections for Duke's regular season and postseason performance. They anticipate a challenging non-conference schedule, including matchups against Texas, Kentucky in the Champions Classic, and a high-profile game against Arkansas on Thanksgiving.

Brendan Marks [45:28]: "25 wins and 6 losses."

They predict Duke finishing the regular season with a 25-6 record, accounting for expected losses against strong opponents like Arkansas, Florida, Michigan, Carolina, and Louisville. The ACC’s increased competitiveness also factors into their projection, suggesting that Duke will need to maintain excellence throughout the season to secure a top seed in the ACC tournament.

Final Thoughts

In closing, the hosts express optimism about Duke's future under Coach Shire's leadership. They acknowledge the team's potential, especially with standout freshmen like Cameron Boozer and Caleb Foster, whose growth could propel Duke back into the elite ranks of college basketball.

Matt Norlander [40:57]: "If Boozer can indeed be a truly impactful freshman floor general, Duke's got a lot of very interesting pieces."

The episode wraps up with encouragement for listeners to engage with ongoing events, such as auctions supporting St. Jude, and hints at future episodes featuring interviews with key figures in college basketball.

Notable Quotes:

Brendan Marks [09:38]: "Not a single one."
Matt Norlander [07:15]: "Cooper Flag, wherever you want to slot him, he's one of the five best freshmen of the century joining Anthony Davis."
Matt Norlander [19:22]: "He's the rare example in all of American sports where he has replaced the guy and just passed the test with flying colors on a level that few other coaches can ever match."
Brendan Marks [37:58]: "He has to be the clear cut, best player on this team. If he comes out of the gate and he's maybe not efficient from three and teams can sag off him, that changes a lot for Duke."
Brendan Marks [45:28]: "25 wins and 6 losses."
Matt Norlander [40:57]: "If Boozer can indeed be a truly impactful freshman floor general, Duke's got a lot of very interesting pieces."

This comprehensive discussion offers listeners a nuanced understanding of Duke's current standing, the potential impact of new players, and the strategic direction under Coach John Shire. Whether you're a dedicated fan or a casual observer, this episode provides valuable insights into one of college basketball's most storied programs.