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Blue Devil Country

Son of Duke Basketball Legend Joins Cooper Flagg Among Award Finalists

A Duke basketball signee and a Blue Devil target comprise 40 percent of the Naismith finalists.
Matt Giles|
Photo credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports

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Earlier this month, the Atlanta Tipoff Club announced 10 semifinalists for the Naismith High School Boys' Player of the Year Trophy. The Duke basketball program's top-ranked 2024 signee, five-star forward Cooper Flagg, and highest-ranked 2025 target, five-star forward Cameron Boozer, were on that list.

And both survived the cut for the five finalists revealed late last week.

Flagg, a Maine native and lifelong Blue Devil fan who stars for unmatched prep powerhouse Montverde Academy (Fla.), is a McDonald's All-American.

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Of course, Boozer, son of 2001 Duke national champ and two-time NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer who shines alongside twin brother Cayden for Columbus (Fla.) and ranks No. 2 overall on the 247Sports 2025 Composite, should earn that honor next year.

The other three remaining contenders to take home the prestigious Naismith when the winner is named on March 8 are 2024 Rutgers prize Ace Bailey, top-ranked 2025 prospect AJ Dybantsa, and a former prime Blue Devil target in Rutgers signee Dylan Harper.

Dybantsa and Boozer are the only juniors among the finalists.

Four Duke basketball players have landed the honor since its inception in 1987: Shane Battier in 1997, Austin Rivers in 2011, RJ Barrett in 2018, and Dariq Whitehead in 2022.

Cooper Flagg, one of five early 2024 Blue Devil signees in the nation's top-ranked class, is probably the frontrunner to prevail this year.

Prime Duke Target Wants to Visit Before Announcing Decision

Stay tuned to Blue Devil Country on SI.com for more Duke basketball recruiting news.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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