Duke Basketball continues to dominate the recruiting scene, and the Blue Devils’ future looks even brighter with five-star forward Cameron Boozer set to join the team this summer. But before he even steps on the court at Cameron Indoor Stadium, Boozer is already making headlines as a top NBA prospect.
Boozer’s Rise to NBA Stardom
At 6-foot-9 and 245 pounds, Cameron Boozer has long been considered one of the best high school players in the country. He is a McDonald’s All-American, a finalist for the Naismith Boys’ High School Player of the Year, and ranked as the No. 2 overall recruit in the class of 2025 by 247Sports.
Now, according to ESPN’s latest 2026 NBA mock draft, Boozer is projected to be the No. 3 overall pick, trailing only Kansas signee Darryn Peterson and BYU commit AJ Dybantsa. This projection all but confirms what Duke Basketball fans have suspected—Boozer is likely a one-and-done player.
A Duke Basketball Legacy
Cameron Boozer isn’t just another five-star recruit. He is the son of Carlos Boozer, who helped lead Duke to a national championship in 2001 before enjoying a successful NBA career. Following in his father’s footsteps, Cameron is set to make his mark in Durham before heading to the NBA.
He won’t be coming alone. His twin brother, Cayden Boozer, a talented five-star guard, will also be joining the Blue Devils. Together, the Boozer twins headline a star-studded Duke Basketball recruiting class that includes:
- Cameron Boozer (6’9” Forward, No. 2 overall recruit)
- Cayden Boozer (6’3” Guard, Top 30 prospect)
- Nik Khamenia (6’8” Forward, Five-star recruit from California’s Harvard-Westlake School)
- Shelton Henderson (6’7” Forward, Five-star recruit from Bellaire High School, Texas)
With this group, Duke Basketball continues to secure one of the top recruiting classes in the country, positioning itself for future success under head coach Jon Scheyer.
What Makes Boozer an Elite Prospect?
So why is Cameron Boozer already being projected as a future top-three NBA Draft pick? His game is built for the modern era of basketball, blending size, skill, and versatility.
Elite Scoring & Inside Dominance
Boozer has a polished offensive game for a high school player. He can dominate in the post, knock down mid-range jumpers, and even stretch the floor with his three-point shooting. His footwork and strength make him a matchup nightmare for defenders at any level.
High Basketball IQ & Playmaking
Unlike many high school big men, Boozer isn’t just a scorer—he’s a playmaker. His court vision and passing ability set him apart from most power forwards. He can facilitate an offense, making him a perfect fit for Duke Basketball’s system.
Defensive Versatility & Rebounding
Boozer is an elite rebounder, using his size and strength to control the glass on both ends. He’s also a high-level defender, capable of switching onto smaller guards while still protecting the rim. His versatility on defense is another reason NBA scouts are so high on him.
Can Boozer Be Duke Basketball’s Next No. 1 Pick?
Duke Basketball has a long history of producing NBA lottery picks, including Zion Williamson, Jayson Tatum, Paolo Banchero, and Brandon Ingram. With his skill set and potential, Boozer has a real chance to join that elite company.
The biggest question is how his game will translate at the college level. If he can dominate the ACC the way he has in high school, there’s a good chance he could climb even higher in NBA Draft projections—possibly even becoming the No. 1 overall pick.
Final Thoughts: Boozer Will Be Must-Watch TV for Duke Basketball
Duke Basketball fans should be excited about Cameron Boozer’s arrival. He has all the tools to be a star in Durham and a future NBA lottery pick.
With Boozer leading a stacked recruiting class, Duke is once again set up for success on the national stage. Whether it’s a one-year stop before the NBA or something more, one thing is certain—Cameron Boozer is the next big name in Duke Basketball.