Duke Basketball Report
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More On Duke’s Win At Kansas
Duke finally breaks a 38‑year drought in Lawrence, edging Kansas in a high‑scoring 84‑point exhibition. While the Blue Devils dazzled with an 81.8% shooting night (27‑33), defensive lapses gave up 84 points, prompting coach Jon Scheyer to focus on cleanup work. Freshmen JoJo Boumtje Boumtje and Deron Rippey shot 3‑for‑12, all from three, and struggled with the intense crowd. Key contributors Pat Ngongba, John Blackwell, and newcomer Sebastian Wilkins dominated inside, but the team still needs a steady, pass‑first point guard—Cayden Boozer is a strong candidate. Upcoming games against Army, Coastal Carolina, Michigan State and others will test the freshmen’s progress and the impact of returning players like Drew Scharnowski and Caleb Foster.
Cameron Boozer Update: Rolling Right Along
Cameron Boozer bursts onto the NBA scene, matching his season averages with 16 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists in a 123-112 win over the Sacramento Kings, keeping Memphis unbeaten at 3-0. He currently ranks tied for third in league rebounding (12 per game) while posting 16 points and 5.5 assists per night, though his shooting remains a concern. Compared to fellow 2026 draftees AJ Dybantsa (injured) and Darryn Peterson (12 ppg, 3.5 rebounds), Boozer appears the draft’s top performer so far.
YouTube Gold: Duke vs. St. John’s In The 1992 Elite Eight
In the 1991 Elite Eight, Duke avenged its 1990 UNLV loss by dismantling #4 St. John’s 84-67. Freshman Grant Hill, Bobby Hurley (20 points, 7 rebounds) and Christian Laettner (19) led the Blue Devils, who forced 26 turnovers and built a 40-27 halftime lead. St. John’s, fresh from a 91-74 Sweet Sixteen win over Ohio State, couldn’t recover as Duke’s “buzzsaw” defense dominated the game.
DBR Podcast #864: Duke Walks Through Phog, Rocks Jayhawks
In DBR Podcast #864, Duke’s men’s basketball caps its preseason with a gritty road win over Kansas, 78‑73, at the iconic Phog Allen Fieldhouse, highlighted by Patrick Ngongba II’s dunk and Caleb Foster’s return. Freshmen showed typical inexperience, but the performance bodes well for the season opener. The episode then shifts to Duke football’s dramatic 31‑28 victory over Virginia, despite a Walker Eget injury, a missed extra point and offensive hiccups, with Nate Sheppard’s late TD pass and a game‑sealing interception propelling the team to a 5‑2 start. The hosts dissect both wins and the lessons learned.
Duke Takes Out Kansas On The Road, 90-84
Duke storms into Allen Fieldhouse and beats No. 17 Kansas 90‑84 in an exhibition on Oct. 25, 2026. Junior forward Patrick Ngongba dominates with 28 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists, while Jon Blackwell adds 23 points and Dame Sarr converts 8 of 11 free throws. Freshmen JoJo Boumtje Boumtje and Deron Rippey struggle, but depth from Caleb Foster, Cayden Boozer and bench spark Sebastian Wilkins keep the Blue Devils ahead. Kansas briefly leads 68‑64 before a decisive 9‑0 run. Coach Bill Self cites Ngongba’s pivot as the key difference, and Duke coach Jon Scheyer praises the team’s road toughness.
We’ll See At Least Two Immensely Promising Freshmen Sunday
On Sunday, Duke freshman JoJo Boumtje Boumtje (7‑2, 250 lb) will face Kansas rookie Tyran Stokes (6‑7, ~230 lb) in a high‑profile exhibition that could showcase two future first‑round NBA draft picks. Both players display rare versatility—Boumtje blends big‑man shooting and passing, while Stokes mixes forward strength with guard‑like vision and passing. The matchup promises intense play and a glimpse of their potential, with additional rookie standouts like Duke’s Deron Rippey and Kansas guard Taylor Kinney also in the mix.
Cooper Flagg Injury Update
In the Mavericks' second game of the 2026‑27 season, rookie forward Cooper Flagg suffered a hard foul from Indiana Pacers' Aaron Nesmith that left him clutching his shoulder. An MRI confirmed a mild shoulder sprain, likely sidelining Flagg for a few games. He joins teammate Kon Kneuppel, who is recovering from a hamstring strain, on the bench. The incident sparked a brief on‑court scuffle, and a video of the play is available.
YouTube Gold: Highlights From Louisville’s Trip To Kansas
The Duke Basketball Report recaps Louisville’s exhibition win over Kansas on Oct. 21 at Allen Fieldhouse, highlighting freshman Tyran Stokes' impact for KU and Louisville standouts like former Blue Devil Christian Reeves. The piece notes the relevance of the game as Duke prepares to visit Kansas and points out rising prospect JoJo Boumtje Boumtje, who drew limited resistance from Belmont and Tennessee but will face a sterner test against the Jayhawks. Readers get a quick look at the Cardinals' performance and how it stacks up against conference rivals ahead of upcoming matchups.
Well, That Didn’t Take Long: Cam Boozer Dominates Golden State
Rookie Cameron Boozer ignites a comeback as the Memphis Grizzlies edge the Golden State Warriors 111-108 in San Francisco on Oct. 23, 2026. After a 2‑for‑15 debut, Boozer erupts for 25 points, 13 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals, shooting 6‑13 from the field, 4‑7 from three and perfect from the line. He sparks a decisive 17‑0 run and nails the game‑winning jumper with 20 seconds left. Coach Tuomas Iisalo praises the 19‑year‑old’s all‑court impact, noting his rebounding, playmaking and defensive instincts that transcend typical rookie stats.
Twitter Gold: Pitino On Scheyer
Rick Pitino praises Duke head coach Jon Scheyer during a March 27, 2026 Sweet Sixteen press conference at Capital One Arena. Pitino notes Scheyer’s rapid rise—reaching the Elite Eight in each of his first three seasons and the Elite Eight again this year—despite criticism for not yet capturing a title. He compares Scheyer’s early results to legendary coaches like Mike Krzyzewski and Dean Smith, emphasizing that success often comes with experience. The post highlights Scheyer’s age (39) and the supportive sentiment among Duke fans.
Duke 19, Virginia 16: Five Key Plays
Duke snaps a 5‑2 start with a 19‑16 comeback win over Virginia in Charlottesville on Oct. 23, 2026. Quarterback Walker Eget throws for 211 yards, including a 35‑yard strike to Jonah Burton and a 31‑yard pass to Jared Richardson that survives video review. The Blue Devils score on a four‑play, 78‑yard drive and later on a trick play where Nate Sheppard tosses a backward pass to Brody Keefe for the decisive touchdown. Duke’s defense forces a fumble, secures a key interception by Patrick Smith‑Young, and finishes the turnover battle 2‑1.
DBR Podcast # 863 – Into The Jayhawk’s Den
The Duke Basketball Report podcast teaser previews Duke’s upcoming showdown at Kansas’ legendary Allen Fieldhouse, highlighting the clash between freshman phenom Joaquim Boumtje Boumtje and Kansas star Tyran Stokes. Hosts Jason and Donald also preview Duke football’s high‑stakes game against Virginia, noting its implications for ACC championship hopes. The episode wraps with a discussion on NIL budgets and the “Duke Discount” for fans. Listeners are encouraged to follow the show across social platforms and affiliate partners.
Next Up – Kansas
The State Farm Blue Blood Classic pits Duke against Kansas on Sunday, a much‑anticipated showdown after Kansas’ narrow loss to Louisville. Kansas struggled from three‑point range (7‑29) but stayed competitive, led by starters Paul Mbiya, Taylen Kinney, Tre White, Melvin Council and freshman phenom Tyran Stokes, who posted 15 points, nine rebounds and four assists. New addition Trey Kaufman‑Renn may also impact the rotation. Duke will rely on freshman guard Taylen Kinney, veteran Council and potential NBA‑first‑pick Stokes, while coach Jon Scheyer decides how to use Dame Sarr and other talents like JoJo Boumtje Boumtje and Deron Rippey. The game promises a test of depth, coaching and rookie composure.
The Duke Chronicle Profiles The Coaching Staff
The Duke Chronicle shifts focus from players to the Blue Devils’ coaching staff, profiling head coach Jon Scheyer—who has impressed since succeeding Mike Krzyzewski in 2022—and key assistants. Scheyer’s offensive guru Chris Carrawell is credited with shaping numerous NBA forwards, while Emanuel Dildy helped develop star forward Dame Sarr. Tyler Thornton mentors point guards Caleb Foster, Cayden Boozer, Deron Rippey and John Blackwell, and newcomer KJ Conklin rounds out the staff. The piece also highlights Scheyer’s talent‑spotting ability, noting former assistants Jai Lucas and Evan Bradds now lead programs at Miami and Belmont.
Twitter Gold: Flory Bidunga’s Rude Welcome Back To Phog Allen Fieldhouse
During Louisville’s exhibition win over Kansas at Phog Allen Fieldhouse on Oct. 21, 2026, former Jayhawk forward Flory Bidunga sparked a hostile reaction from the home crowd. Fans chanted “F‑you, Flory!” as he returned to Kansas in a Louisville jersey, prompting coach Bill Self to briefly apologize to Louisville’s Pat Kelsey. Bidunga, now earning an estimated $2.9‑$3.9 million more, shrugged off the boos as Louisville edged Kansas 89‑83. The incident highlights lingering resentment toward portal transfers even as the college basketball landscape evolves.
ACC Loss Leaders
Georgia Tech’s men’s basketball program, once an ACC powerhouse with three tournament titles and a 1990 Final Four run, now endures the league’s longest active loss streak. After brief resurgences under Bobby Cremins and Paul Hewitt, recent coaches—including Josh Pastner and Damon Stoudamire—failed to break the slump. New hire Scott Cross, a proven mid‑major coach, inherits a 12‑loss season in 2026 and aims to reset the Jackets with a home opener against Hampton before facing rival Georgia. The article details the Jackets’ historic highs, chronic lows, and the daunting challenge ahead.
Duke Football: Virginia Preview
Duke (4-2, 1-2 ACC) heads to Charlottesville on Oct. 22 for a mid‑season "must‑win" clash with Virginia (4-3, 2-2). Virginia, a two‑point favorite, comes off a three‑of‑five slide, while Duke tries to halt a two‑game losing streak—the first back‑to‑back defeats since the Cutcliffe era. Injuries loom: Duke is without center Matt Craycraft and CB Evan Smith, with several others questionable, while Virginia lists safety Brandyn Hillman, WR Kam Courtney and RB Peyton Lewis among the doubtful. Key matchups feature Virginia QB Beau Pribula (13 TDs, 1 INT) and RB Jekail Middlebrook, versus Duke’s RB Nate Sheppard and QB Walker Eget. Both defenses aim to force turnovers and contain the run.
YouTube Gold: Camboozled!
Rookie Cameron Boozer (19) debuted for the Memphis Grizzlies on Oct. 21, helping them beat the Utah Jazz 123-103. Though he shot just 2‑for‑15 (0‑for‑6 from three) and scored only 7 points, Boozer grabbed 11 rebounds, dished out 5 assists, and capped the night with a memorable dunk over veteran Jaren Jackson Jr. The play sparked the Grizzlies' announcer to shout, “Holy Cow…he’s been…Camboozled!” adding a catchy nickname to the highlight reel. The game and the viral call are featured in the latest Duke Basketball Report.
Maybe It Is Time To Overreact
Duke dismantles Top‑10 Tennessee 40‑point in an exhibition, sparking rare excitement among fans. Six Duke scorers outpace Tennessee’s six total points, with the Blue Devils shooting 20% better and hitting 87.5% of free throws across two preseason games. Despite missing Caleb Foster and Drew Scharnowski, newcomers John Blackwell, 17‑year‑old Joaquim Boumtje Boumtje, and freshman guard Derron Rippey Jr. shine, while returnees Dame Sarr and Patrick Ngongba II show big leaps. The author argues this result is an exception to the “don’t overreact to exhibitions” rule and a promising sign for the upcoming season.
Vols Were Easier Than Expected. Kansas? Won’t Be That Simple.
Duke’s preseason has escalated from a comfortable win over Belmont to a modest test against Tennessee, and now faces a far tougher showdown with Kansas on Sunday. The Jayhawks bolster their roster with former Duke forward Christian Reeves, Purdue standout Trey Kaufman‑Renn, and top freshman Tyran Stokes, matching Duke’s size and talent. Coach Jon Scheyer hints that reserve Caleb Foster could see minutes. With Kansas adding several 6‑foot‑10 and taller players, the game promises a significant step up in competition for the Blue Devils.
YouTube Gold: The Greatness Of Allen Iverson
The Duke Basketball Report revisits Allen Iverson’s prime, highlighting his 1996 Reebok shoot and reminding fans of his legendary impact after his 2013 retirement. The piece then pivots to freshman phenom Deron Rippey, whose dominant performance against Tennessee sparks early comparisons to Iverson’s tight‑space maneuvering and deceptive strength. While acknowledging Rippey’s unique build, the article posits he could echo Iverson’s style, offering a glimpse of his considerable potential.
DBR Podcast #862: Duke Rocks Tennessee’s Top!
In Episode 862 of the Duke Basketball Report, hosts Jason and Donald break down Duke’s 103-64 preseason demolition of Tennessee— a 39‑point win that underscores the Blue Devils’ status as the ACC preseason favorite. They review the ACC preseason polls and player awards, highlight key performers on both ends of the court, and preview the upcoming non‑conference slate that pits Duke against multiple top‑10 foes. The discussion also touches on AP preseason rankings for men’s and women’s basketball and the team’s roadmap for improvement.
Duke Blows Out Tennessee In Exhibition Play, 103-64
Duke trounces top‑10 Tennessee 103‑64 in an October 20 exhibition at Cameron Indoor Stadium, turning a 74‑40 lead into a dominant win. Deron Rippey leads with 21 points on 9‑12 shooting, while John Blackwell adds 18 and Dame Sarr 15. Freshmen JoJo Boumtje Boumtje contributes 11 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 blocks. Tennessee, missing key players after early injuries to Terrence Hill and Troy Henderson, fails to score a basket until midway through the first half and never recovers, attempting their first three‑pointer after 9½ minutes. Duke scores 46 paint points and 28 on fast breaks despite missing Caleb Foster and Drew Scharnowski. Coach Rick Barnes acknowledges his squad’s lack of competitiveness while praising the exposure these games provide.
ACC Teams That Struggled From Outside
Boston College’s 2026 season ranks among the ACC’s worst ever from beyond the arc, posting a .2938 three‑point percentage (226‑of‑769) – the second‑lowest in the conference’s modern era. The Eagles also lagged in overall field‑goal accuracy (.408) and finished last in ACC shooting last year, contributing to coach Earl Grant’s departure after a solitary 20‑16 winning season and an NIT berth. The article previews new hire Luke Murray, a former UConn star, as he inherits a program that hasn’t reached the NCAA tournament since 2009 and will begin with six home games in Massachusetts. A table lists the ten poorest ACC three‑point performances since 2000, highlighting the broader shooting slump across the league.
Duke Slots #2 In Preseason AP Poll
The AP Top 25 preseason poll places Duke at #2, trailing only Florida, which received 47 first‑place votes to Duke's 10. UConn and Arizona round out the top five, while ACC neighbors Virginia (#9), Louisville (#11) and Miami (#14) also make the list. Notable mentions include Tennessee (#8), Houston (#10), Arkansas (#12), Michigan (#16), Kansas (#17) and Kentucky (#23). The last preseason #1 to clinch the title was UNC in 2008‑09, prompting debate about Florida's championship odds.
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