Cameron Boozer Dominates as No. 3 Duke Rolls Past Syracuse, Eyes National Title Run
With the legends watching from courtside, Cameron Boozer didn’t just show up-he took over. Duke’s freshman phenom delivered another statement performance Monday night, powering the Blue Devils to a commanding 101-64 win over Syracuse at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
And while the final score told the story of a lopsided game, Boozer’s individual effort added a whole new chapter.
Boozer’s All-Around Brilliance
In just 25 minutes of action, Boozer poured in 22 points and pulled down 12 rebounds, notching yet another double-double in what's quickly becoming a season full of them. He also chipped in two assists, but the numbers only scratch the surface of his impact.
Efficiency was the name of the game. Boozer shot a scorching 8-for-10 from the field, good for 80%-his most efficient outing of the season against a major conference opponent. Only a 10-for-12 night against Howard back in November tops that mark.
This wasn't just another strong performance-it was a clinic in control, poise, and polish. Boozer didn’t force the issue. He let the game come to him, picked his spots, and made Syracuse pay every time they gave him an inch.
Joining Rare Company
With Monday’s performance, Boozer has now led both teams in points and rebounds 11 times this season. That’s not just impressive-it’s historic.
Over the last 30 years, only two true freshmen have done it more often in a single season: Michael Beasley (18 times in 2007-08) and Kevin Durant (12 times in 2006-07). That’s the kind of company Boozer is keeping right now.
Beasley and Durant both went on to become top-two NBA draft picks. Boozer? He’s on a similar trajectory-if not better.
Big Stage, Bigger Performance
The stars were out in Durham, and Boozer made sure they got their money’s worth.
Former Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski, who knows a thing or two about greatness, was in the building. So was Basketball Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony, there to support his son Kiyan, who plays for Syracuse. Adding another layer to the moment: Anthony’s own college legacy, leading Syracuse to a national title in 2003, and his NBA battles with Boozer’s father, Carlos, during the early 2000s.
Even Cooper Flagg, last year’s Duke freshman sensation and now a top NBA prospect himself, was in the crowd. It was a night that felt like a passing of the torch-and Boozer was ready for the spotlight.
Pushing Toward History
Boozer came into the game averaging 22.9 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 4.0 assists through 25 games. After another dominant showing, he’s inching closer to averaging a double-double for the season-something few freshmen ever come close to doing.
But this isn’t just about stats. It’s about impact.
Boozer has been the engine behind Duke’s 24-2 record and No. 3 national ranking. He’s the reason the Blue Devils are firmly in the conversation for a national championship, and why he’s a frontrunner for both National Player of the Year and the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Monday night was more than just another win. It was a reminder that Duke isn’t just good-they’re dangerous. And with Cameron Boozer leading the charge, they might just be unstoppable.