As the 2025–26 college basketball season kicks off, all eyes are on Cam Boozer, and for good reason. The five-star freshman forward is already showing signs of following the meteoric rise of Cooper Flagg, who took the NCAA by storm in his first season.
Boozer’s transition to the college level has been seamless. In team scrimmages and early practices, the 6-foot-9 forward has shown polished footwork, a soft shooting touch, and court awareness well beyond his years. Coaches are impressed not just by his talent but by his composure—much like what observers saw from Flagg just a year ago.
Duke head coach Jon Scheyer recently spoke about Boozer’s development. “Cam doesn’t play like a freshman,” Scheyer said. “His approach to the game, the way he prepares, the way he competes—it’s rare. That’s leadership and confidence at 18 years old.”
Comparisons to Cooper Flagg come naturally. Both forwards entered their freshman seasons as top-three recruits, and both were thrust into leadership roles early. Like Flagg, Boozer is expected to anchor both ends of the court—scoring efficiently, rebounding with authority, and defending at a high level.
The early numbers are encouraging. Boozer averaged 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 assists during preseason scrimmages. His chemistry with returning guard Caleb Foster has already become a key highlight in Duke’s offense. The coaching staff has wasted no time building plays around him.
Still, Boozer knows the comparisons bring pressure. “I have a lot of respect for Cooper,” Boozer said in a recent media session. “But I’m focused on being the best version of myself and helping Duke win.”
Flagg, now projected as a top pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, set the standard for elite freshmen.
