Cayden Boozer has shared basketball courts with his twin brother Cameron for nearly his entire life, but for the first time at Duke, their paths are beginning to look different—and that difference is shaping Cayden into his own story.

Coming into the season, much of the national attention followed Cameron Boozer. A dominant scorer, a matchup nightmare, and a projected NBA lottery pick, Cameron has played the role many expected: centerpiece, star, and leader. Cayden’s journey, however, has been quieter, more patient, and perhaps more meaningful.

That patience paid off Wednesday night.

In Duke’s 85–79 win over Georgia Tech, Cayden Boozer earned his first college start and delivered a performance that showed why the coaching staff trusted him when it mattered. The 6-foot-4 freshman guard posted 13 points, five rebounds, three assists, and three steals while logging a season-high 31 minutes. It wasn’t just a solid stat line—it was a statement.

For Cayden, the moment represented far more than a lineup change.

“You have to earn everything here,” Boozer said after the game. “That’s the best part. The fulfillment that comes from earning opportunities—it’s an amazing feeling.”

That mindset reflects the reality of playing at Duke, where talent alone is never enough. Unlike their days at Christopher Columbus High School in Miami, where the Boozer twins dominated opponents and collected accolades as five-star recruits, college basketball has demanded adaptation. For Cayden especially, that has meant learning how to contribute without guaranteed minutes or recognition.

Through the first stretch of the season, Cayden found himself watching more than playing, competing in practice with junior guard