The 2025 Duke basketball season will look a lot different without Cooper Flagg — and all eyes are now on the Boozer twins to lead the way.
Life After Cooper Flagg: Duke Faces a New Challenge
Losing Cooper Flagg to the 2025 NBA Draft isn’t a shock for Duke fans — everyone saw it coming. After all, Flagg was the superstar who powered the Blue Devils to an ACC Championship and a Final Four appearance in the NCAA Tournament. His departure, though expected, leaves a massive hole in Duke’s roster and raises some big questions about the team’s future.
Now, the conversation shifts to how Duke will fill the void left by one of college basketball’s brightest talents.
The Options to Replace Cooper Flagg’s Impact
Even with Flagg gone, Duke still boasts a deep and talented roster for the 2025–26 season. The program is bringing in an exciting freshman class, highlighted by the Boozer twins, Cayden and Cameron Boozer. They’re joined by returning players Isaiah Evans, Darren Harris, Patrick Ngongba II, Maliq Brown, and Caleb Foster — all ready to fight for Duke pride once again.
Cameron and Cayden Boozer, two of the top junior recruits in the country, are expected to play major roles from the start. Their arrival is big news for Duke basketball, but experts aren’t convinced that even they are enough to replace Flagg’s dominance.
Experts Weigh In: Duke Might Need More Firepower
On a recent episode of The Field of 68 podcast, college basketball insider Jeff Goodman broke down Duke’s current situation. While he praised the team’s depth, he made it clear that Jon Scheyer might need to dig even deeper to stay competitive at the national level.
“You look at the rest of the roster,” Goodman said. “It’s good. It’s good, but it’s… again, you look at these guys and you’re like, ‘Isaiah Evans, will he take a jump?’ I think they need more. If I’m Jon Scheyer, I got to get another dude out of the portal, and there aren’t that many dudes left.”
Goodman wasn’t just talking in generalities either. He pointed to Washington State transfer Cedric Coward as a potential game-changer for Duke. Coward, a versatile wing, is currently exploring NBA draft possibilities but remains a top transfer portal target. According to Goodman, Duke is battling Alabama for his commitment.
Can the Boozer Twins Rise to the Occasion?
The Boozer twins — Cayden and Cameron — are the real deal. Growing up in a basketball household, they’ve been preparing for this stage their entire lives. Their father, Carlos Boozer, starred for Duke and helped the Blue Devils win the 2001 National Championship before enjoying a long NBA career. Now, his sons are ready to continue the family legacy.
Cameron Boozer is especially touted as a potential one-and-done NBA talent. Standing at 6-foot-9, he brings a polished offensive game, incredible rebounding instincts, and a high basketball IQ. Cayden Boozer, a crafty point guard, is praised for his leadership, court vision, and ability to control the pace of the game.
There’s no doubt the Boozer twins are loaded with talent. But even for players as gifted as they are, transitioning from high school basketball to ACC competition isn’t easy. Freshmen often need time to adjust to the physicality, speed, and strategy of the college game.
The Boozer twins’ success — or struggle — could determine how far Duke goes next season.
Duke’s Immediate Needs: Veteran Help from the Portal
While the Boozer twins will provide a massive boost, Duke can’t lean on freshmen alone to chase another ACC title and deep NCAA Tournament run. This is why Goodman — and others — stress the need for another veteran presence through the transfer portal.
With players like Cedric Coward available, Duke has the chance to add an experienced, battle-tested forward who can shoulder some of the burden that Flagg’s absence creates. Coward’s ability to play multiple positions and defend bigger wings would give Scheyer much-needed flexibility.
More importantly, bringing in another seasoned player would take pressure off the Boozer twins and allow them to grow at a natural pace without being forced to carry Duke immediately.
Jon Scheyer’s Plan for the Future
One thing is clear: Jon Scheyer isn’t panicking. Since taking over for legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski, Scheyer has done a fantastic job keeping Duke competitive at the highest level. In just his third season, he led the team to 35 wins, an ACC title, and a Final Four appearance.
Scheyer’s recruiting success — particularly with landing the Boozer twins — shows that Duke’s future remains in good hands. Still, even the best young players need help, and with a few more key additions, Duke could remain a serious contender for the national title.
Final Thoughts: It’s Boozer Time — But Help Is Needed
The Boozer twins are ready to make their mark at Duke, and fans are right to be excited about what Cayden and Cameron bring to the table. Their family legacy, combined with their elite skill sets, sets the stage for something special.
However, if Duke wants to fully replace what it lost with Cooper Flagg’s departure and continue its dominance, adding one or two more impact players — especially from the transfer portal — could make all the difference.
As the 2025–26 season approaches, the Blue Devils’ success may hinge on a perfect mix of young talent, veteran leadership, and, as always, a little Cameron Indoor magic.