Cameron Boozer is making serious noise - both in the college game and on NBA draft boards.
The Duke freshman has been nothing short of dominant this season, and now he’s being projected as the No. 2 overall pick in the latest 2026 NBA mock draft, landing with the Indiana Pacers. That’s a potential pairing that should turn heads. Boozer’s blend of size, skill, and feel for the game could be the perfect complement to a Pacers core that includes Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam.
Haliburton is working his way back from a torn Achilles, and while Indiana took a step back this season after reaching the NBA Finals in 2025, the foundation is still solid. Adding a player like Boozer could help push them right back into contention as soon as next year.
Let’s talk about what makes Boozer such a tantalizing prospect. He’s putting up 23 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, and nearly two steals per game - all while shooting 57.8% from the field and a strong 38.3% from deep. Those aren’t just good freshman numbers; they’re elite, especially when you factor in the level of competition and the responsibility he carries on both ends of the floor.
At 22-2, Duke sits atop the ACC and is currently the fourth-ranked team in the nation. Boozer has been the engine behind that success.
He’s not just stuffing the stat sheet - he’s leading, setting the tone, and delivering in big moments. This is a Duke team with real title aspirations, and Boozer is the centerpiece.
There’s also a bit of unfinished business in Durham. The Blue Devils came up just short in last year’s Final Four, falling to Houston in the closing minutes of a tightly contested battle.
That loss still lingers, and this year’s squad seems locked in on redemption. A national title would be the perfect capstone to Boozer’s college career - and a final boost to his already sky-high draft stock.
Of course, the race for the No. 1 pick is far from over. Boozer is in a tight three-man race with Darryn Peterson and AJ Dybantsa. All three have the tools to go first overall, and how they close out the season - both in conference play and in the NCAA Tournament - could ultimately decide the order.
But right now, Boozer’s case is as strong as anyone’s. He’s scoring efficiently, rebounding at a high level, making plays for others, and defending with intensity. He’s not just producing - he’s impacting winning in a big way.
If the Pacers do end up with the No. 2 pick and Boozer is still on the board, they may not hesitate. Pairing him with Haliburton and Siakam could give Indiana one of the most dynamic young trios in the league - and a real shot at making noise in the East for years to come.