6. Duke (1-seed)
Cameron Boozer (Freshman – Forward)
The likely frontrunner for many more national awards, Boozer has been the best player in college basketball across his freshman campaign with the Blue Devils. The young Duke star averages 22.4 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, earning the First Team All-American nod while topping the ACC in rebounds and many other categories. Boozer put up impressive double-doubles in the Blue Devils’ first two Tournament wins and is obviously vital to their continued success in this event.
Cayden Boozer (Freshman – Guard)
While not as highly touted or revered as his twin brother, this Boozer has also found success down the stretch for the Blue Devils. It’s been a bigger role in recent weeks with Caleb Foster injured and Boozer has excelled, now averaging 7.5 points and 2.9 assists on the season. However, it’s his recent work that really stands out, including a pair of 16-point games in the ACC Tournament and his 19-point, 5-assist showing against Siena in that close call last week. He’s picked up the slack in this injured backcourt.
Isaiah Evans (Sophomore – Guard)
Year two at Duke has been a great showing out of Evans. Last year he showed potential as a highly-rated freshman, but his sophomore season has seen 15.0 points and 3.3 rebounds per game. He’s become a high-output shooter from long range, making 36% of those shots, and has been a much-needed cog and scorer behind Boozer in this offense. Evans had two similar performances last week, scoring 16 points against Siena and 17 over TCU despite making just four 3-pointers.
Patrick Ngongba II (Sophomore – Center)
Ngongba had been injured for nearly three weeks but his return to the lineup would be a massive boost for the Blue Devils. The talented young big jumped into a much bigger role in his second season under Jon Scheyer and has produced 10.5 points and 6.0 rebounds per game. Ngongba was able to get back onto the court during the team’s win over TCU with a limited role. He had become quite the consistent frontcourt presence before his injury and you can count on him to score in double-figures if he’s starting and closer to full strength.
Dame Sarr (Freshman – Guard)
While not as highly regarded as the Boozer twins in the recruiting class, Sarr has become a critical young weapon for Duke this season. Sarr’s production hasn’t just come from his offense, though he’s averaged 6.4 points and 3.8 rebounds per game this season. His true value is on the other side of the ball, earning ACC All-Defense honors. Against TCU in the second round, Sarr put up 14 points and 8 rebounds and can clearly be a difference maker on both ends as this run continues.