Duke Can’t Have Boozer Taken Out of ACC Title Game

Duke basketball freshman sensation Cameron Boozer has been the best player in all of college basketball this season, and it isn't really close. Entering his collegiate career as one of the most decorated high school prospects of all-time, Boozer is looking to continue that winning habit at Duke.

The Blue Devils, as the No. 1 seed in the event, advanced to the ACC Tournament Championship after defeating 5-seed Clemson 73-61 in the semifinals on Friday night. Duke is looking for its third ACC Tournament title in four seasons under head coach Jon Scheyer.

Mar 13, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Cameron Boozer (12) shoots as Clemson Tigers forward Chase Thompson (3) defends in the second half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Duke will face 2-seed Virginia, which took down 3-seed Miami 84-62 to advance on the other side of the bracket.

Scheyer's club has been without two starters for the entirety of the conference tournament, as junior guard Caleb Foster and sophomore center Patrick Ngongba were both ruled out with foot injuries. After a bit of a scare in the quarterfinals against Florida State, the Blue Devils looked back to prime form against the Tigers.

Mar 13, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer signals to his team late during the second half against the Clemson Tigers at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

However, Virginia presents a unique challenge to Duke regarding Boozer's production, and with the team already hurting with injuries, it can't afford to have Boozer taken out of the game.

Mar 13, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Virginia Cavaliers head coach Ryan Odom reacts in the second half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Virginia Contained Cameron Boozer Better Than Any Other Squad Duke Faced

Duke and Virginia met at Cameron Indoor Stadium in late February, and the Blue Devils cruised to a 77-51 victory. However, the Cavaliers did as good a job as any club Duke has faced this season in terms of containing the National Player of the Year frontrunner.

Virginia boasts an extremely physical frontcourt unit of Thijs De Ridder, Ugonna Onyenso, and Johann Grunloh. That physicality clearly bothered Boozer in the first go-around between the two programs.

Mar 13, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Virginia Cavaliers center Ugonna Onyenso (33) shoots as Miami (FL) Hurricanes guard Dante Allen (35) and guard Tru Washington (10) defend in the second half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Against the Cavaliers in the regular season, Boozer went for 18 points, nine rebounds, and four assists on 3-of-9 (33.3%) shooting from the field. For the star rookie's standards, that's a fairly weak performance.

Mar 13, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Cameron Boozer (12) fights for possession with Clemson Tigers forward RJ Godfrey (0) during the first half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Boozer Must Step Up With Injuries

Through Duke's first two ACC Tournament contests, Boozer is averaging 23.5 points, 12 rebounds, and 4.5 assists. He's been dominant as he's been all season, but considering how UVA was able to hold him in check, that could pose issues with Duke's depleted rotation.

Virginia ranks eighth nationally in two-point field goal defense (44.8), according to KenPom. It also ranks 10th nationally in offensive rebounding percentage (38.0).

Mar 13, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Cameron Boozer (12) during the first half against the Clemson Tigers at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Onyenso and Grunloh rank first and third in total blocked shots of any player in the ACC this season at 88 and 73, respectively. The Cavaliers as a team lead the ACC in total blocked shots at 202.

Duke gets it done with its defense, and handled Virginia easily the first time around. However, mixing the team's current injury report with the fact that the physicality of Odom's big men clearly bothered Boozer, that could be a sign of worry as the Blue Devils look to run the table in the ACC once again.