Mandy
In just four games with Duke, freshman Cameron Boozer has already made a powerful impression. Even before the Champions Classic matchup against Kansas at Madison Square Garden, the highly touted recruit earned big praise from Jay Bilas, one of Duke’s most respected alumni and a well-known ESPN analyst.
Boozer’s Early Impact At Duke
Although only 18 years old, Boozer’s start at Duke has been nothing short of stellar. Through two weeks, the five-star freshman has shown maturity beyond his age, consistently showcasing a game that extends far beyond scoring.
- Averaging 22.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game
- Two double-doubles in his first four appearances
- Contributing across the box score on both ends of the floor
Boozer will get another chance to build on his strong performance when Duke faces No. 23 Kansas on Nov. 18 at 9 p.m. ET in the Champions Classic nightcap.
Praise From Jay Bilas
Jay Bilas did not hold back when discussing Boozer’s rise.
“He is as good a player as there is in the country,” Bilas said in an interview with USA TODAY Sports. According to him, Boozer is already in the conversation for national player of the year, even this early in the season.
Why Jay Bilas Compares Boozer To Paolo Banchero
Bilas highlighted several reasons why Boozer reminds him of Paolo Banchero, Duke’s former star and a No. 1 NBA Draft pick.
- Rare combination of size, power, and skill
- Advanced basketball IQ
- Ability to handle defensive pressure and create easy opportunities for teammates
Jay Bilas explained that defenses cannot guard Boozer effectively with a single player:
He can go through defenders, around them, and over them, making him extremely difficult to contain one-on-one.
Because of the attention he demands, Bilas predicts that Boozer will leave opposing coaching staffs frustrated and searching for answers throughout the season.
Duke Legacy And Family Connections
Boozer’s basketball pedigree runs deep. His father, Carlos Boozer, starred for Duke under Mike Krzyzewski, helping lead the Blue Devils to the 2001 NCAA Championship.
Cameron’s twin brother, Cayden Boozer, is also a freshman at Duke this season, further extending the family’s presence within the program.
Cameron Boozer’s opening weeks at Duke have established him as one of the most exciting young stars in college basketball.
With elite physical tools, polished skill, and a basketball mindset beyond his years, he has not only lived up to the hype but has also drawn comparisons to one of Duke’s recent greats, Paolo Banchero. If his trajectory continues, he may soon become one of the biggest stories of the college basketball season.