After Tragedy, Steve Forbes Compares Two Duke Legends

adminsportify By adminsportify January 25, 2026

Duke basketball continued to dominate the court with a 90-69 victory over Wake Forest, improving their overall record to 18-1 and securing a 7-0 conference win. The Blue Devils’ win at Cameron Indoor Stadium marked another Quadrant 2 victory, and it was their second consecutive game where they won by 20 points or more. This performance solidified Duke’s position as one of the top teams in the ACC.

Offensively, Duke showcased their strength, particularly in the paint. They outscored the Demon Deacons 48-16 in the paint while grabbing 16 offensive rebounds. This dominance on the inside was a key factor in the team’s success.

The Blue Devils also had an impressive showing from the free-throw line, making 21 of 24 attempts (88%) as a team. Meanwhile, Wake Forest managed to go 11-of-13 (85%) from the charity stripe. This contrast highlighted Duke’s ability to capitalize on opportunities, especially when it mattered most.

Freshman sensation Cameron Boozer once again proved to be unstoppable, leading the way for the Blue Devils. His performance has made it increasingly difficult for anyone to argue against him being the National Player of the Year. Fans have become accustomed to seeing Boozer post games with 25 points and 10 rebounds, which is rare for a rookie. If he continues this level of play, he could become the second straight Duke player to take home the prestigious award, following Cooper Flagg, who was named National Player of the Year in 2025 and went on to be the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft.

Steve Forbes, the head coach at Wake Forest, faced off against Flagg during the 2024-25 season. In a 93-60 victory for Duke, Flagg put up a game-high 28 points along with eight rebounds, seven assists, two steals, and three blocks. Now, Boozer has taken over that role, delivering similar dominance against Forbes and his team.

In Saturday’s 21-point victory, Boozer recorded 32 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and three steals. He shot 11-of-20 (55%) from the field, 3-of-8 (37.5%) from three-point range, and a perfect 7-of-7 from the free-throw line. This was Boozer’s second consecutive game with at least 30 points, further cementing his status as one of the most dominant players in college basketball.

After the game, Forbes acknowledged the similarities between Boozer and Flagg. “Last year it was Cooper Flagg, this year it’s Cameron Boozer,” Forbes said after the loss to Duke. This comparison highlights how both players have left a lasting impact on the sport.

Boozer’s recent performances have been nothing short of extraordinary. Over Duke’s last three games, he is averaging 27.6 points, 12 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per night, shooting 60% from the floor. These numbers are reminiscent of a video game character, and no other player is coming close to matching his level of production.

The Miami native has emerged as the most dominant player in the sport, and Forbes sees the connection between Boozer and Flagg. As Duke continues its strong season, fans can expect even more impressive performances from Boozer.

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