Through the first month of the college basketball season, no freshman has made a louder statement than Duke’s Cam Boozer. He’s been nothing short of dominant-putting up numbers that would be eye-popping for a senior, let alone someone just a few months removed from high school. Averaging 23.0 points, 9.9 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.0 blocks, and 1.7 steals per game while shooting nearly 56% from the field and over 37% from beyond the arc, Boozer isn’t just producing-he’s doing it efficiently and consistently against top-tier competition.
With that kind of production, it’s no surprise that Boozer has emerged as the early frontrunner for National Player of the Year honors. But the bigger conversation now is whether he should be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. That question is far more complex-and it’s one that’s heating up fast.
The Three-Man Race: Boozer, Peterson, Dybantsa
Coming into the season, the top of the 2026 draft board was largely seen as a two-man race between Kansas guard Darryn Peterson and BYU forward AJ Dybantsa. Boozer, while highly regarded, wasn’t initially viewed as the favorite to leapfrog either of them. But his early-season dominance has changed that narrative in a hurry.
Peterson, a 6'6" guard with a pro-ready frame and skill set, has been hampered by a nagging hamstring injury. That’s limited his ability to showcase what many scouts believe is an elite offensive package-one that could thrive immediately at the NBA level.
Dybantsa, on the other hand, has been healthy and productive, averaging 20.9 points and 6.7 rebounds on 55.5% shooting. He might already be the best pure shot-maker in college basketball, and his ability to score in isolation, off the catch, and in transition has NBA scouts buzzing.
So where does that leave Boozer?
Boozer’s Case: Production, IQ, and Winning Pedigree
What Boozer has done so far at Duke goes beyond the box score. He’s been the engine of a team that’s started 10-0, including four wins over ranked opponents.
When Duke’s offense has sputtered, Boozer has been the one to steady the ship-whether it’s scoring through contact, knocking down timely threes, or making the right pass out of double teams. He’s not just filling up the stat sheet; he’s making winning plays.
His performances against elite competition speak volumes. Boozer went for 18 points and 15 boards against No.
9 Michigan State, dropped 29 on No. 23 Florida, exploded for 35 against No.
15 Arkansas, and posted 18 points and 11 rebounds against No. 17 Kansas.
Duke won every one of those games, and in each, Boozer was the best player on the floor.
One scout put it simply: “It feels like people are crushing Cam because he can't catch a lob, but he can do so many things. Incredibly polished, incredibly smart. I don’t see where there’s not a use for him.”
That’s the crux of Boozer’s appeal. He may not wow you with elite vertical pop or highlight-reel dunks, but his game is built on skill, feel, and a high basketball IQ.
He’s a connector, a playmaker, and a force on the glass. His second jump is elite, his footwork in the post is advanced for his age, and his outside shot is becoming more of a weapon as the season progresses.
And then there’s the winning. Boozer has won at every level.
Four straight state titles at Columbus (FL), a national championship with Nightrydas Elite, three straight Nike EYBL titles, and two FIBA gold medals. He’s a two-time Gatorade National Player of the Year and the first high schooler since LeBron James to win Mr.
Basketball USA twice. That kind of résumé doesn’t come around often.
The Knock: Can He Be The Guy at the Next Level?
Still, the debate isn’t over. What separates Peterson and Dybantsa in the eyes of some scouts is their ceiling as go-to scorers at the NBA level.
They have the kind of athleticism and shot-creation skills that translate into being the No. 1 option on a championship-caliber team. That’s the question some evaluators still have about Boozer.
“Can you put the ball in his hands and know he’s going to get a bucket or create something when the game’s on the line?” one Eastern Conference scout asked. “It’s not a knock on Cam-it’s just that those other two guys have the potential to be the best player on NBA championship teams.”
That’s the kind of nuance that defines front-office conversations. Boozer’s game is more polished and mature right now, but the long-term upside of Peterson and Dybantsa might be higher in terms of elite shot-making and offensive versatility.
The Road Ahead
What’s clear is that the race for the No. 1 pick in 2026 is far from settled. Boozer has forced his way into the conversation with dominant, winning basketball.
Peterson and Dybantsa bring tantalizing tools and upside that can’t be ignored. Each brings something different to the table, and the decision may ultimately come down to team fit, organizational philosophy, and how each player continues to develop over the next few months.
But if Boozer keeps playing like this-leading Duke, elevating his teammates, and showing growth in key areas of his game-NBA teams will have a hard time passing on a player who simply knows how to win.
The discussion is just getting started. And Boozer, without question, is in the thick of it.