Cam Boozer: Duke’s Next Great Freshmen
Since 2010, no college basketball program has produced more top-five selections than Duke University. Kyrie Irving and Jayson Tatum are two of the most talented players ever, putting together hall-of-fame resumes. Zion Williamson, Paolo Banchero, and Brandon Ingram have earned NBA All-Star selections. With Cooper Flagg destined for greatness, the pressure is on for Cameron Boozer to be Duke’s next great freshman.
The third overall recruit in the 2025 recruiting class has been in the spotlight for years, being the son of all-star Carlos Boozer. Cameron had one of the most accomplished high school basketball careers of all time, being a two-time Gatorade Player of the Year and AmeriCup MVP. At Christopher Columbus High School, Boozer averaged 21.1 points and 11.3 rebounds. Now, the focus has shifted to how his game will translate to the college and professional level.
Boozer is one of the most polished prospects in recent memory, playing with a rare maturity. Standing at six foot nine, nearly 230 pounds, with fluid athleticism, Cameron is a nightmare matchup for defenders. His handle is advanced for a player of his size, comfortably driving into traffic and attacking downhill. Once at the basket, Boozer uses a variety of moves to finish, but primarily relies on his postgame. He’s demonstrated soft touch with hook shots and layups while combining footwork and strength to create space. This extends to the midrange, as he knocks down difficult jumpers, especially off the catch. The shooting mechanics are impressive, with a quick trigger and high release point, adding an extra dimension to his game. Cam is also an off-ball threat, setting strong screens, making smart and timely cuts, and punishing defenders off the catch. His overall feel for the game is evident when he plays, operating as a versatile passing hub. Defensively, he has a high motor and offers valuable switchability, able to guard multiple positions, protect the rim as a secondary defender, and clean the glass.
While Boozer’s game is remarkably advanced for his age, some areas still need improvement to solidify himself as an elite prospect. His overreliance on leveraging his strength to score will become an issue as competition becomes more athletic and stronger. Additionally, Boozer has shown inconsistencies as a live-dribble passer, acting better as a stationary playmaker. His shooting off the bounce can be clunky, with defenders forcing him to shoot from distance at times.
Despite flaws within his game, Boozer should be the centerpiece of Duke’s roster. He’ll pick up where Cooper Flagg left off as the go-to guy, capable of anchoring both ends of the floor. Boozer fits seamlessly in Scheyer’s offensive scheme, as his ability to score inside, shoot off the catch, and operate as a short-roll passer makes him a natural hub in the halfcourt offense. With his screening versatility and feel as a cutter, Boozer will thrive in two-man actions alongside Duke’s guards. He should be flexible in defensive coverages, using his strength to control the paint, timing to rotate as a help-side defender, and mobility to hedge or recover in pick-and-roll situations.
Boozer may be an incredible, well-rounded prospect who should compete for college basketball’s Wooden Award, but faces top-notch competition. He’s the third of a trifecta of elite recruits that includes Darryn Peterson and AJ Dybantsa, in what could be a historic freshman class. Not only will they all compete for Freshmen of the Year, but the number one overall selection as well. Boozer will have to separate himself through consistent, impactful, and winning play.
