Duke’s 90–69 win over Wake Forest on Saturday night didn’t just add another ACC victory to the resume — it felt like confirmation.
Confirmation of who Duke is becoming, and confirmation of who the best player in college basketball is right now.
Wake Forest came out sharp and confident, setting the tone early and briefly controlling the pace in the first half. The Demon Deacons jumped out in front by attacking mismatches and playing freely, forcing Duke to absorb the first punch.
But once the Blue Devils found their footing and took the lead, the game changed completely. From that moment on, Duke put its foot on the gas and never looked back.
The catalyst, once again, was Cam Boozer. Boozer was everywhere — scoring efficiently, cleaning the glass, and anchoring Duke on the defensive end. He put up 32 points which is the fourth time this year he’s had 30 or more.
Whether it was finishing through contact, stepping into open looks, or drawing extra defenders and finding teammates, Boozer dictated terms.
He isn’t the number one player in scoring across the board in college basketball, but he is fourth highest at 23.2 ppg. What separates Boozer from everyone else nationally is how consistently his dominance and ability to take over a game feels. He does it all.
There’s a calm to his game, a sense that nothing speeds him up. Against Wake Forest, every Duke run seemed to flow through him, either directly or indirectly.
This marked the second straight definitive win for Duke after returning from a 30 point win out west over Stanford. That matters. It speaks to a team that is beginning to impose its will rather than have to grind it out as much.
Under Jon Scheyer, the Blue Devils always have gotten better and better as the season has gone on. This year is no exception. The pieces are fitting together, the rotations are stabilizing.
If these last two games are any indication, Duke isn’t just winning. It’s announcing itself.
Unless winter weather dictates otherwise, Duke will host no. 23 Louisville at Cameron on Monday night.