He didn’t arrive with dramatic flair or attention-seeking antics. There were no viral clips making the rounds on social media. No over-the-top interviews or bold predictions. But after just one summer practice, Cameron Boozer has completely flipped the script at Duke.
The name carries weight — son of Duke legend Carlos Boozer — but the coaches aren’t talking about his bloodline. They’re talking about him. His approach. His poise. His readiness. The first day of practice wasn’t just solid for Boozer — it was dominant in the ways that matter to coaches: effort, execution, and impact.
“He’s not just Carlos Boozer’s son anymore,” one assistant coach said. “He’s his own player — and he’s ahead of where we thought he’d be. Way ahead.”
What shocked the staff wasn’t just the skill — though Boozer flashed a smooth jumper and confident footwork in the post. It was the understanding. The way he rotated defensively before the help call. The way he moved without the ball, found space, and made the extra pass. The fact that, at 6-foot-9, he wasn’t just trying to show off — he was trying to win.
“He boxed out three guys on one possession,” a coach recounted, still visibly impressed. “That’s not something you teach in one summer. That’s just built into how he plays.”
It’s not flashy — but it’s effective. And it’s already creating real conversations among the staff about the frontcourt rotation. With veteran forwards and other highly ranked recruits in the mix, Boozer wasn’t expected to carve out a role this early. But now? That entire depth chart might be shifting.
“If we’re serious about putting the best five on the floor, it’s hard to ignore what he’s doing,” said a source inside the program. “He just fits. He just gets it.”
There’s still growth ahead — Boozer’s frame will need to add strength to battle with older, more physical bigs in the ACC. But the foundation is far beyond freshman-level. His footwork is clean. His passing is unselfish. His decision-making is years ahead of schedule.
“He doesn’t try to do too much,” one staffer added. “He just plays the right way. And when someone that talented plays the right way? You’ve got a problem — a good problem.”
Cameron Boozer came in quiet. No hype. No headlines. But now? He’s the name Duke coaches are saying over and over. And if this is what he looks like after one practice… just imagine what he’ll be by November.
