Caleb Foster’s injury return leaves coach in tears as history-making Duke eye glory with ‘best player’ in college basketball
Playing just 20 days after surgery on his left foot, Foster scored all of his 11 points after being introduced in the second half.
As Cayden Boozer’s ballhandling struggles saw the Red Storm threaten to pull away, the Junior guard came in and flipped the game back in Duke’s favor.
Duke HC emotional after Caleb Foster’s stunning return
Foster’s monumental performance left coach Jon Scheyer emotional, who held back tears discussing his player’s effort post-game.
“He had no business playing today,” Scheyer said.
“He was determined, that’s one of the most special performances I’ve ever seen. He was incredible.
“His will in the huddles, what he was doing with some big-time plays too.
“That’s a leader right there, and a guy who came through for us when we needed him the most.”
With a healthy nine-man rotation for the first time in postseason, the Blue Devils move on to the Elite Eight, and will face second-seeded UConn in Sunday’s East Region final.
History-making Duke reach Elite Eight of NCAA Tournament
Many fans, and perhaps the players themselves, will be dreaming of a Final Four appearance and a sixth NCAA title in the days to come.
And just by making it this far, the current crop of college stars have made history for their school.
With a tight win over St. John’s on Friday, the Blue Devils reached their third-straight Elite Eight under Scheyer, and set a new program record for the most wins across any two seasons, with 70.
Given the team’s storied history, that is quite the achievement.
And while Foster’s return might well have been the catalyst on Friday, Duke has leaned heavily on Cameron Boozer in recent months.
The son of former NBA star Carlos Boozer, Cameron has been one of the best players in college basketball this season, and has been touted as a potential top 5 pick in this year’s draft.
He has impressed on the national stage too, with 63 points, 34 rebounds and 10 assists in three NCAA Tournament games so far.
In a physical contest against a tenacious St. John’s team, Boozer put up some of his best numbers yet, with 22 points and 10 rebounds in a tight win.
His effort has not gone unnoticed, with former NBA star Jay Williams, who was drafted No. 2 overall by the Chicago Bulls in 2002, suggesting Boozer has been the one to watch in March Madness.
Duke powered by ‘best player’ in college basketball
“I think the best player in the tournament is Cameron Boozer,” Williams told ESPN’s First Take, offering high praise ahead of Duke’s Sweet 16 match up.
“Cameron Boozer has been consistently the best player all year long in college basketball.
“He might’ve had a couple of hiccups in his first two games, especially in that first half the other day.
