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    Duke Blue Devils guard Cayden Boozer (2) drives to the basket as North Carolina Tar Heels guard Seth Trimble (7) defends during the second half at Cameron Indoor Stadium - Source: Imagn
    Duke Blue Devils guard Cayden Boozer (2) drives to the basket as North Carolina Tar Heels guard Seth Trimble (7) defends during the second half at Cameron Indoor Stadium - Source: Imagn
    Duke Blue Devils guard Cayden Boozer (2) drives to the basket as North Carolina Tar Heels guard Seth Trimble (7) defends during the second half at Cameron Indoor Stadium - Source: Imagn
    Duke Blue Devils guard Cayden Boozer (2) drives to the basket as North Carolina Tar Heels guard Seth Trimble (7) defends during the second half at Cameron Indoor Stadium - Source: Imagn

    ‘Surprised They Still Want Him’: Fans React As Duke Guard Cayden Boozer Announces Return for 2026-27 Season

    Duke is set to retain freshman Cayden Boozer for his sophomore season, and the announcement quickly stirred conversation online.

    Boozer confirmed he will return to Duke Blue Devils men’s basketball for the 2026-27 season, opting to run it back after a freshman campaign. While the program gained valuable depth and continuity, fans online had plenty to say and not all of it was supportive.


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    Fans Split Over Cayden Boozer’s Return Announcement

    The reaction online was a mix of skepticism and sarcasm.

    One fan bluntly wrote, “Surprised they still want him…,” referencing that costly turnover in the NCAA Tournament.

    Another added, “Where else was he gonna go,” questioning whether Boozer truly had NBA-level options at this stage.

    Others took a more forgiving tone.

    “Hope he has a great comeback season and can redeem himself,” one user posted, echoing a sentiment shared by fans willing to give the young guard another shot.

    There were also broader takes about Duke’s roster outlook.

    “Good news for the rest of the ACC,” a fan wrote.

    Another fan wrote: “Good news for Duke. Keeping Cayden Boozer adds continuity.”

    Cayden Boozer Opts To Run It Back at Duke

    Boozer’s decision was announced by the program and later shared on his own social media, with the caption “RUN IT BACK.”

    The freshman guard averaged 7.7 points, 3.0 assists, and 2.3 rebounds while shooting an efficient 50% from the field.

    His role grew significantly after injuries in the backcourt forced him into more ball-handling duties. Despite early inconsistencies, he showed flashes of composure and playmaking ability that Duke will hope to build on next year.

    His season will largely be remembered for one late turnover that allowed UConn to capitalize and knock Duke out in the Elite Eight, a moment that has clearly stuck with fans heading into the offseason.

    While fan opinions remain divided, the path forward is clear. Boozer will enter next season with a bigger opportunity and more responsibility.

    With Cameron Boozer expected to make the jump to the NBA, Cayden could take on a more central role in the offense.

    Also Read: 

    Top 10 Cayden Boozer Memes As Duke Chokes Against UConn During Elite 8 Showdown

    Are the Boozer Twins Related to Carlos Boozer? Here’s What You Need To Know

    Top 10 Remaining Transfer Portal Players in College Basketball Ft. Milan Momcilovic

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