Cameron Boozer Says Duke Is Being Overlooked Nationally, Believes Blue Devils Will Surprise Critics With 2025 Championship-Caliber Team
Cameron Boozer, one of the most celebrated high school basketball prospects in the country and a cornerstone target for Duke’s 2025 recruiting class, has a message for those sleeping on the Blue Devils: don’t.
In a recent interview following his dominant performance at the Nike EYBL Peach Jam, the 6-foot-9 forward—ranked the No. 1 player in the 2025 class—addressed what he believes is a growing trend of national media overlooking Duke in the conversation of elite future rosters. With conviction and confidence, Boozer made it clear that he sees Duke as a sleeping giant on the verge of a resurgence.
“I don’t think people realize how dangerous Duke is going to be,” Boozer said. “They’re being overlooked, but that won’t last.”
His comments come at a time when programs like Kansas, Kentucky, and even newer powers like Alabama and Houston have dominated recruiting headlines and early 2025 championship talk. But Boozer, who has been closely connected to the Duke program due to family ties and ongoing recruitment, believes the Blue Devils are building something special—something championship-worthy.
A Voice That Carries Weight
When Cameron Boozer talks, the basketball world listens. The son of Duke legend and former NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer, Cameron has been a fixture on the recruiting radar since his freshman year at Miami’s Columbus High School. He’s a physically gifted, highly skilled forward with a polished offensive game, elite footwork, and an evolving outside shot.
Boozer is widely considered the most complete player in the 2025 cycle—drawing comparisons to a young Chris Bosh for his fluidity, versatility, and ability to impact the game on both ends.
His relationship with Duke has long been under a microscope. Given his father’s iconic legacy in Durham and Coach Jon Scheyer’s aggressive pursuit of the Boozer twins—Cameron and his brother Cayden—it’s no surprise that the Blue Devils are widely seen as the frontrunners in his recruitment.
But Boozer’s recent comments go beyond recruiting buzz. They reflect a deeper belief in what Duke is constructing—and a desire to shift the national perception.
“People are talking about other schools, but I see what Duke is doing behind the scenes,” Boozer said. “They’ve got a plan.”
Duke’s Recruiting Blueprint Taking Shape
While Duke hasn’t landed the top overall class in recent years, Scheyer and his staff have methodically assembled highly versatile rosters built around development, team chemistry, and NBA upside. With strong 2024 commitments already locked in and elite 2025 targets like Boozer, Koa Peat, Caleb Wilson, and Maximo Adams in the mix, the Blue Devils appear to be aiming for depth over flash.
Boozer’s trust in the program seems to stem not just from nostalgia, but from a belief in the foundation Scheyer is laying.
“Coach Scheyer is real. He keeps it 100 with you,” Boozer said. “He talks about winning, not just getting to the league. That’s important.”
Duke’s current roster and developmental pipeline are structured to compete now and peak in 2025. Rising talents like Jared McCain, Caleb Foster, Sean Stewart, and incoming recruits could form the nucleus of a deep, battle-tested unit ready to dominate.
Add Boozer to the mix, and you’re looking at a potential juggernaut.
A Chip on the Shoulder
For a program with five national championships and countless NBA alumni, being “overlooked” might sound strange. But there’s some truth to Boozer’s claim.
In recent seasons, Duke hasn’t dominated the headlines as it did during the Coach K era. Early tournament exits, coaching turnover, and a highly competitive national landscape have contributed to skepticism around the Blue Devils’ immediate future. Meanwhile, schools like UConn, Houston, and Purdue have earned the spotlight.
Boozer, however, sees that as fuel.
“Being counted out is actually a good thing,” he said. “It means we’re going to surprise a lot of people.”
That mentality—part underdog, part dynasty-in-waiting—is something Scheyer has embraced. Rather than chasing the biggest names just for ranking purposes, Duke’s recruiting has focused on system fits and high-character players who can grow together.
Boozer fits that profile perfectly.
The Legacy Factor
Of course, no discussion of Cameron Boozer and Duke is complete without addressing the legacy factor. Carlos Boozer helped lead the Blue Devils to a national title in 2001 and remains a beloved figure in the program’s storied history.
The connection runs deep—Cameron and Cayden have visited Durham multiple times, and the younger Boozers have often worn Duke gear at camps and tournaments. But Cameron has insisted that his decision won’t be based solely on family history.
“My dad’s journey was his own,” Cameron said. “I’m carving my own path. But yeah, Duke is special to us.”
That blend of independence and respect for tradition has impressed the Duke coaching staff, who have made it clear they view Cameron as more than just a legacy recruit. They see him as the centerpiece of their future.
National Analysts Weigh In
Recruiting insiders and national analysts agree that Boozer’s comments reflect a growing sentiment among top prospects—Duke may not be the loudest voice in the room right now, but it’s quietly building a monster.
“Cameron Boozer knows the game and sees the blueprint,” said ESPN recruiting analyst Paul Biancardi. “Duke has been working strategically, and Boozer could be the player that puts them over the top in 2025.”
247Sports analyst Adam Finkelstein added, “Boozer’s belief in Duke is a great sign. He’s not just projecting confidence—he’s sending a message to other top recruits.”
A Rallying Cry for Other Recruits?
Boozer’s statement could also serve as a rallying cry for other elite 2025 prospects. In an era of player empowerment and NIL influence, top-tier recruits are increasingly influenced by their peers’ vision and leadership. If Boozer commits and continues to champion the Blue Devils, the domino effect could be enormous.
Players like Koa Peat, Cayden Boozer, and Caleb Wilson have all expressed interest in Duke, and Boozer’s public defense of the program could strengthen those bonds.
“I want to win with dogs,” Boozer said. “Guys who don’t care about the hype—just care about the banner.”
Cameron Boozer’s declaration that Duke is being overlooked isn’t just a defense of the Blue Devils’ legacy—it’s a warning shot to the rest of college basketball. With a chip on his shoulder, a deep belief in Jon Scheyer’s vision, and the talent to change the game, Boozer isn’t just talking about a resurgence—he wants to lead it.
As the 2025 recruiting cycle heats up and Boozer’s decision looms, his words will likely echo throughout the college basketball world. If he ultimately suits up in Durham, Duke won’t just be relevant—they’ll be a threat to hang another championship banner.
And when that time comes, nobody will be overlooking them anymore.
