When Duke’s summer practices tipped off, most of the attention was squarely on the established returners and hyped recruits. The usual suspects — Caleb Foster, Isaiah Evans, and incoming freshman standouts — were expected to dominate the narrative. But as the sessions wore on, one name kept surfacing in closed-door conversations and quiet sideline nods: Cameron Boozer.
Originally viewed as a longer-term investment, Boozer wasn’t expected to make an immediate push into a crowded rotation. But that assumption is quickly fading. Coaches describe him as relentless — a player who treats every possession like it’s a game-winner. Whether it’s diving for loose balls, sprinting the floor in transition, or fighting through screens with veteran-level grit, Boozer is making it uncomfortable for the upperclassmen to take a single rep off.
What’s more impressive is how little fanfare Boozer brought into camp. Unlike other high-profile freshmen, he’s not demanding attention — he’s earning it. And in a program like Duke’s, that matters. Energy guys often carve out roles earlier than expected, especially in rotations still figuring themselves out post-draft departures.
The coaching staff hasn’t made any official declarations, but sources close to the team say Boozer is already being discussed in lineup planning sessions. His defensive intensity and effort in scrimmages have made him hard to keep off the floor, even in sets originally designed for more experienced players.
What does this mean for Duke’s depth chart? It adds a layer of complexity — in the best way. With Boozer proving he can compete right now, Coach Scheyer may have more lineup flexibility than initially anticipated. Whether that means spot minutes early or a gradual build into a regular role, one thing’s clear: Boozer’s not just part of the future — he’s making a case to be part of the present.
And if this trajectory continues through the rest of the offseason? Don’t be surprised if he’s not just in the mix — but changing the mix entirely.
