The Rise of Duke’s Three-Headed Monster: How Boozer, Evans, and Ngongba Are Poised to Dominate College Basketball

The Rise of Duke’s Three-Headed Monster: How Boozer, Evans, and Ngongba Are Poised to Dominate College Basketball

The Blue Devils are back and they might be more dangerous than ever.

After Duke’s second exhibition win of the preseason, an 83–76 road victory over Tennessee, one thing became abundantly clear: Jon Scheyer’s team has found its identity, and it revolves around three players who could soon define the 2025–26 college basketball season  Cameron Boozer, Isaiah Evans, and Patrick Ngongba.

Together, they’ve become what many are already calling the most dominant “three-headed monster” in the nation.

A Trio That Plays Like Pros

It’s not often you see three college players mesh this naturally, this quickly.

Cameron Boozer — still just a freshman — looked like a man among boys in Knoxville. He wasn’t just scoring; he was orchestrating. He piled up a jaw-dropping 24 points, 23 rebounds, and six assists, controlling the pace like a seasoned veteran. Every rebound felt personal. Every pass carried purpose. Every drive forced the Volunteers to double, sometimes triple-team him, opening the floor for his teammates to shine.

Isaiah Evans, the sophomore sharpshooter, thrived off that space. His confidence has evolved from promising to lethal, as he poured in 22 points while drilling four three-pointers. Evans plays with the swagger of a star who knows he can take  and make  the big shot. He stretches the defense in a way few wings in college basketball can, giving Duke an instant offensive punch whenever Boozer commands attention inside.

And then there’s Patrick Ngongba the 6’11” rim protector who plays with the heart of a guard. His 15 points, nine rebounds, and three blocks came on near-perfect efficiency. But what stood out most wasn’t just his scoring or defense  it was his patience. His passing out of the post and ability to read double-teams elevated the entire offense.

Together, the trio accounted for nearly three-quarters of Duke’s total scoring and rebounding output.

That’s not just dominance that’s chemistry.

Scheyer’s Blueprint: Balance, Depth, and Superstars

Jon Scheyer deserves credit for what he’s quietly building in Durham. While the headlines have often been about recruiting rankings and five-star hauls, Scheyer has begun to develop something more sustainable  a team that understands roles.

He’s created an environment where Boozer can be a point-forward, Evans can attack in rhythm, and Ngongba can anchor both ends without needing the spotlight. That’s not an easy balance to achieve, especially with so much young talent.

Duke’s depth this season runs deep, but make no mistake  this trio is the heartbeat. When the game slows down, when Duke needs a bucket or a stop, it’s these three who will have the ball, the vision, and the will to deliver.

What Makes Them So Dangerous

Every great trio in basketball history has its unique blend of skills. Duke’s version checks every box:

• Boozer’s versatility makes him virtually unguardable  he can post up, handle the ball, or step out to the perimeter.
• Evans’ shooting stretches defenses to their breaking point, and his ability to create off the dribble adds a new layer to Duke’s offense.
• Ngongba’s defense and physicality bring an edge that gives the Blue Devils a toughness they’ll need come March.

It’s a rare thing  a college team that can beat you in so many ways, with three players who complement each other perfectly. Boozer’s vision feeds Evans’ shot. Evans’ spacing opens the lane for Boozer and Ngongba. And Ngongba’s defense ignites fast breaks that allow both to flourish.

When all three are clicking, Duke looks less like a college team and more like an NBA-ready powerhouse.

The Gauntlet Ahead

The Blue Devils aren’t easing into the season — their non-conference schedule is brutal. But that’s exactly what this trio needs.

Early tests against elite competition will reveal just how special this group truly is. If they continue producing like they did against Tennessee  in an environment that mimicked March pressure  then college basketball fans are in for a treat.

It’s still early, of course. Exhibition wins don’t hang banners. But every so often, you see something that feels inevitable. Watching Boozer, Evans, and Ngongba share the floor feels like watching the early stages of something historic.

A New Era in Durham

Duke basketball has always been about excellence from Laettner to Kyrie, from Zion to Paolo. Now, a new generation is taking up the mantle.

Cameron Boozer’s maturity, Isaiah Evans’ flair, and Patrick Ngongba’s presence give Duke a trio that’s not just talented but balanced. They represent the next great chapter in a program built on pressure, pride, and performance.

If this early chemistry is any indication, the Blue Devils aren’t just aiming for a Final Four  they’re chasing something bigger.

And with this three-headed monster leading the charge, it might just be Duke’s time again.