Cameron Boozer Dominates ACC Rookie Honors As Duke Soars

With the college basketball season heating up, all eyes are on Duke freshman Cameron Boozer as he continues to rewrite the record books and rack up accolades at a dizzying pace. On January 26, 2026, Boozer was named ACC Rookie of the Week for the eighth time this season, a feat that underscores his dominance and consistency during his first campaign in Durham. The Blue Devils’ 6-foot-9, 250-pound forward has not only lived up to the hype that followed him out of Miami, Florida, but has also emerged as one of the nation’s premier players—regardless of class.

Boozer’s latest recognition comes on the heels of a spectacular performance against Wake Forest, where he piled up 32 points, nine rebounds, and three steals, while also dishing out four assists in Duke’s commanding 90-69 victory. He shot 11-of-20 from the field, including three makes from beyond the arc, and was a perfect 7-for-7 at the free-throw line. This stat line didn’t just help Duke notch another win; it also made Boozer the first Blue Devil to post consecutive 30-point games since RJ Barrett did so in February 2019. Talk about rarefied air!

It’s not just the gaudy numbers that have fans and NBA scouts buzzing. Boozer’s impact on the court goes well beyond the box score. As the focal point of Jon Scheyer’s offense, he’s shown a knack for scoring inside, making the right pass when double-teamed, and maintaining his poise under pressure. According to HoopsHype, Boozer is now projected as the No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. NBA evaluators rave about his polished post game and “elite feel for the game as both a post scorer and a connecting player,” with one scout noting, “Boozer has solidified himself as an NBA-ready big that’ll be a frontcourt starter on whichever team drafts him.”

That NBA pedigree isn’t surprising when you consider Boozer’s background. He’s the son of former NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer, who also starred at Duke, and his twin brother, Cayden, is a freshman guard for the Blue Devils as well. While they’re fraternal twins (explaining their different builds), both have made an immediate impact in Durham. For Cameron, the transition to the college game has been seamless, and his performances have only grown more impressive as the season has progressed.

Against Wake Forest, Boozer’s dominance was evident from the opening tip. He controlled the paint on both ends, helping Duke outscore the Demon Deacons 48-16 inside and outrebound them by a staggering 21 boards. The Blue Devils also held a decisive 18-7 advantage in second-chance points. Wake Forest, which led for the first 13-plus minutes and hit 14 three-pointers, simply couldn’t keep pace once Duke’s defense tightened and Boozer went to work. A 13-0 run late in the first half flipped the game, and Wake Forest never got closer than nine points after halftime.

It was Boozer’s fourth game this season with at least 30 points, and his ability to deliver in big moments has become a trademark. The Blue Devils, now 18-1 overall and 7-0 in ACC play, are riding high as they prepare for another marquee matchup. Next up: a showdown with No. 20 Louisville at Cameron Indoor Stadium, scheduled for January 26 at 7 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPN as part of the network’s Big Monday slate, and you can bet NBA scouts will be watching closely.

Boozer’s run of weekly honors is remarkable in itself. He’s been named ACC Rookie of the Week in eight of the first 12 weeks of the season, including all four weeks in January—a stretch of dominance rarely seen in the league. Over the past 12 seasons, Duke has produced an ACC Rookie of the Week in 107 of 216 possible weeks (49.5%), with 28 different Blue Devils earning the distinction at least once. But Boozer’s consistency and star power have set him apart from even his most decorated predecessors.

“He is the first Blue Devil with consecutive 30-point games since RJ Barrett in February 2019,” the ACC noted in its weekly announcement. That’s not just a fun trivia nugget—it’s a testament to Boozer’s ability to deliver at the highest level, week in and week out. And it’s not just the ACC that’s taking notice. National media and NBA draft analysts have Boozer penciled in as a top-three pick, with some suggesting he could climb even higher as the season unfolds. “Most sources said they have Boozer (with Peterson) ahead of AJ Dybantsa, because his elite feel for the game as both a post scorer and a connecting player is what teams look for in potential franchise cornerstones,” wrote Cyro Asseo for HoopsHype.

Boozer’s versatility has been on full display all season. He’s comfortable operating as a primary scoring option, but he’s just as adept at facilitating for teammates when defenses collapse on him. That skillset has made him a nightmare matchup for opponents and a perfect fit for Scheyer’s system. In a recent win over Stanford, Boozer poured in 30 points and grabbed 14 rebounds, further cementing his status as one of college basketball’s most reliable forces.

Of course, Boozer isn’t the only freshman making waves in the ACC. Players like AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson have also drawn national attention, and the race for postseason awards promises to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. Still, Boozer’s blend of production, pedigree, and poise puts him squarely in the conversation for honors like the Wooden Award and, of course, the NBA Draft lottery.

For Duke fans, Boozer’s rise is a reminder of the program’s ability to attract and develop elite talent. From his family ties to his on-court brilliance, Cameron Boozer has quickly become a household name in college hoops. As the Blue Devils gear up for their next test against Louisville, the spotlight will only grow brighter—and Boozer seems more than ready for the challenge.

With the season entering its most crucial stretch, Duke’s fortunes look as promising as ever, thanks in large part to their sensational freshman. If Boozer continues at this pace, who knows what records he’ll break next?