Duke Basketball Maintains ACC Dominance with Cameron Boozer

Duke basketball remains a powerhouse in the Atlantic Coast Conference, holding the top spot in the ACC power rankings with an undefeated record of 8-0. Freshman sensation Cameron Boozer has been pivotal for the Blue Devils, showcasing his talent with a stunning 35-point performance in a comeback victory over Arkansas on Thanksgiving Day.

Boozer's shooting efficiency, scoring 35 points on just 18 shots, has made him a frontrunner for national player of the year honors. Head coach Jon Scheyer is encouraged by Boozer's play and is looking for consistent contributions from Caleb Foster, who added 15 points and eight assists in the same game against Arkansas.

The ACC/SEC Challenge proved challenging for the conference last season, with the ACC winning only two out of 16 matchups. This year, Duke and Clemson were the only ACC teams to secure victories, with Duke's win over Arkansas being particularly noteworthy.

The Blue Devils' upcoming schedule includes crucial matchups against top-ranked teams, which could solidify their status as a national contender. In the ACC power rankings, Louisville is positioned second, boasting a potent offense led by Ryan Conwell, who recently scored 32 points against NJIT.

North Carolina ranks third despite facing criticism for their performance in a recent loss to Michigan State. The Tar Heels have shown promise with a significant victory over Kansas and are expected to improve as Seth Trimble returns from injury.

Other notable teams include Clemson, whose defense and consistency have kept them in the NCAA Tournament conversation, and SMU, which remains undefeated alongside Duke and Louisville. The conference's depth continues to be tested, with Virginia and N.C.

State struggling in their recent outings. Virginia has shown flashes of brilliance under new head coach Ryan Odom, while N.C. State needs to address its defensive issues after poor performances in the Maui Invitational.

As the conference navigates through December, the implications of these early season games will set the tone for the rest of the season and the potential for March Madness bids. According to Lohud, Duke's dominance, highlighted by Cameron Boozer's stellar play, reinforces their position as a leading contender in the ACC, placing them in strong contention for a high seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament.