When Jon Scheyer was asked about his new star freshman, Cameron Boozer, he didn’t need a long explanation. Just one word.
“Relentless.”
That’s the word Scheyer used — and it perfectly sums up what the rest of college basketball, especially the SEC, is about to find out.
From the moment Boozer stepped on campus, coaches and teammates have seen it. His energy in practice doesn’t dip. His motor never stops. Whether it’s diving for loose balls, fighting through double-teams, or hounding older players on defense, Boozer’s approach has been different.
Insiders around the Duke program say Scheyer has been pushing Boozer hard, testing his composure early — and the freshman keeps answering every challenge. “He’s wired to compete,” one staff member said. “You can’t teach that.”
And it’s not just effort. Boozer’s game already looks like it’s built for dominance. At 6’9″, he combines power with polish — strong enough to finish through contact, skilled enough to hit mid-range jumpers, and patient enough to make the right read when defenses collapse.
Scheyer’s use of “relentless” wasn’t just a compliment. It was a warning.
Because when a player that talented plays with that kind of fire, it’s usually bad news for everyone else — especially teams that rely on physicality and tempo, like many in the SEC. Duke doesn’t play scared. And with Boozer in the lineup, they might not play close games for long either.
The Blue Devils knew they landed a generational recruit. But now, as Cameron Boozer’s intensity starts to define practices and shape Duke’s identity, it’s becoming clear — they may have found their next program-changing force.
The rest of college basketball should probably take note.
