Player of the Year for Gatorade As 2025–2026 approaches, Cameron Boozer thinks Duke basketball is being underappreciated, but he is adamant that this will change

As the 2025–2026 basketball season looms on the horizon, one of the most promising young stars in high school basketball is already commanding attention, both for his individual accolades and his vision for the future. Cameron Boozer, recently named the 2025 Gatorade National Player of the Year, has not only solidified his status as a top recruit in the country but also emerged as a vocal advocate for the strength and potential of the Duke basketball program. In an era defined by player mobility, NIL deals, and a shifting collegiate basketball landscape, Boozer is making it clear that he believes in Duke and is ready to prove that the Blue Devils remain a powerhouse—regardless of how they are currently perceived.

At just 6-foot-9 and over 230 pounds, Boozer’s frame immediately draws comparisons to elite forwards in the NBA. But it’s not just his physicality that sets him apart—it’s his all-around game, poise, and mature basketball IQ that make him such a force on the court. Over the past year, he has dominated at Christopher Columbus High School in Miami, leading his team to championships and earning national recognition in the process. Averaging 22.3 points, 11.7 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 2.1 blocks per game during his junior season, Boozer demonstrated that he is far more than just a scorer; he is a playmaker, a leader, and a cornerstone player capable of shaping the trajectory of an entire program.

Despite the personal accolades and a clear path to a top-tier collegiate experience, Boozer is focused on the bigger picture. His recent comments suggest a player who is not content to simply ride the wave of individual hype. Instead, Boozer is looking ahead to his next chapter at Duke, where he will aim to challenge the narrative that the program has slipped in stature. In a time when traditional college basketball powers are often questioned due to changing recruiting dynamics and the rise of non-traditional programs, Boozer sees an opportunity to restore Duke’s reputation—not just as a perennial contender, but as the program to beat.

In interviews, Boozer has spoken candidly about how Duke is being overlooked heading into 2025–2026. “I think people are sleeping on us,” he said in a recent conversation with reporters. “Duke’s still Duke. We’ve got talent, we’ve got coaches who know how to win, and we’ve got players who want to prove something.” That desire to prove something is a defining trait for Boozer, and it’s clear that he sees his commitment to Duke not just as a college decision but as a statement.

The idea that Duke might be underappreciated is a sentiment that cuts deeper than just preseason rankings or social media chatter. In recent seasons, Duke has experienced a mix of highs and lows. With the transition from legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski to Jon Scheyer, the program faced inevitable scrutiny. Scheyer, while proving himself as a capable and innovative coach, has dealt with the pressure of maintaining the program’s elite status in a new era of college basketball. Though Duke has consistently brought in top recruiting classes, critics have questioned whether the team has been able to fully capitalize on its talent in postseason play. That criticism, fair or not, fuels the perception that Duke is no longer the undisputed titan it once was.

Enter Cameron Boozer, a player whose legacy is already being shaped not just by his name—he is the son of former NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer—but by his ability to deliver under pressure and his understanding of what it means to lead. He has shown time and again that he is not afraid of the moment. Whether it’s a packed high school gym, a nationally televised showcase, or the heightened expectations that come with a major college commitment, Boozer has consistently stepped up.

It’s also worth noting that his decision to commit to Duke was made with considerable thought. In an age when top recruits often choose programs that offer immediate NIL opportunities or flashier social media followings, Boozer chose a path grounded in tradition, development, and team-first values. Duke represents not just a brand but a basketball culture—a place where players are challenged, refined, and ultimately prepared for the next level. Boozer’s decision to align himself with that speaks volumes about his long-term mindset.

What makes Boozer’s conviction even more compelling is the way he talks about the team, not just himself. He has praised the incoming class of 2025 as one of the most balanced and competitive groups Duke has seen in years. Alongside Boozer will be other five-star talents and gritty role players who complement each other well. There’s an emphasis on versatility, defense, and basketball IQ—a return to the core principles that have long defined Duke at its best. Boozer has repeatedly mentioned that he believes this group has the potential to do something special, not just in terms of wins and losses but in how they play the game.

The idea of being “underappreciated” is something that resonates deeply with many athletes, but in Boozer’s case, it seems to serve as a motivator rather than a complaint. He has embraced the challenge of changing the narrative and has expressed excitement about the pressure that comes with wearing the Duke jersey. “We know what comes with putting that jersey on,” he said. “Expectations, criticism, all of it. But that’s what you want. That’s why you come to Duke. You don’t run from it.”

Boozer’s leadership is not limited to sound bites. Those close to him describe a player who works relentlessly in practice, holds teammates accountable, and is constantly studying film to improve his game. His commitment to getting better is matched by a humility that makes him easy to root for. He often deflects praise to his teammates, coaches, and family, noting that his success is built on support and hard work rather than raw talent alone.

The broader context of Boozer’s rise also adds a compelling layer to his story. He is part of a new generation of athletes who are navigating unprecedented changes in college athletics—where branding, personal agency, and mental health are more openly discussed than ever before. Boozer seems uniquely equipped to handle these pressures. Raised in a basketball household but determined to forge his own path, he blends old-school work ethic with a modern understanding of the game’s dynamics.

And yet, for all the attention he’s receiving, Boozer remains grounded in the belief that championships—not headlines—are what define greatness. His focus is on winning, on building chemistry with his future teammates, and on upholding the standards that Duke basketball has long represented. His drive to elevate the program is about more than just proving people wrong—it’s about honoring the legacy of those who came before him and inspiring those who will come after.

As Duke prepares for the upcoming season, there is a renewed sense of purpose within the program. Boozer’s arrival has injected optimism, but it’s clear that the entire team is buying into the idea that they have something to prove. In many ways, Boozer represents the bridge between Duke’s storied past and its evolving future. His confidence in the program is contagious, and his commitment to excellence is already setting a tone that others will follow.

It’s rare to find a high school athlete so vocal, so focused, and so aware of the weight of the moment. But Boozer appears more than ready for the spotlight. If he continues on his current trajectory, he won’t just be remembered as the 2025 Gatorade Player of the Year—he’ll be remembered as the player who helped redefine what it means to be a Blue Devil in the modern era.

For now, the work continues. Boozer is spending his summer training, fine-tuning his game, and preparing mentally for the challenges ahead. He knows the expectations will be high, and he welcomes that reality. In his eyes, underestimation is just another obstacle to overcome, another narrative to rewrite.

And as the season approaches, one thing is clear: Cameron Boozer isn’t just betting on himself—he’s betting on Duke. And if he has anything to say about it, the rest of the basketball world will soon be reminded why that’s a bet worth making.