The first rookie ladder of the NBA season has a familiar name from Durham sitting at the top.
Cameron Boozer, the former Duke standout taken No. 3 overall in the 2026 NBA Draft, has wasted no time making his presence felt with Memphis. Through the opening four games, the Grizzlies are 4-0, and Boozer has been a major reason why.
NBA.com’s Jeff Zillgitt released his first Kia Rookie Ladder of the year, and Boozer checked in at No. 1. He’s averaging 14.8 points, 10.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game to open the season, enough production to put him ahead of a crowded field.
Right behind him is No. 2 Yaxel Lendeborg, who has gotten off to a hot start for Golden State, followed by No.
3 Caleb Wilson of the Chicago Bulls. Boozer saw both players across the college game before all three moved on to the league.
The rest of the top 10 features Darius Acuff Jr., Keaton Wagler, Darryn Peterson, Aday Mara, Trevon Brazile, Brayden Burries and Mikel Brown Jr.
Zillgitt also noted one eye-popping performance that helped fuel Boozer’s rise. In a win over Golden State, he posted 25 points, 13 rebounds and six assists, making him the third-youngest player in NBA history to reach at least 25 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in a game. The only two ahead of him are LeBron James and Cooper Flagg.
It’s a strong start, no question, but it’s still only the first week. These rankings will shift, and Boozer will have to keep delivering with a talented rookie class pressing right behind him. For now, though, he’s the name setting the pace.
In Other News...
Duke's Nate Sheppard Carries A Bigger Concern Into Boston College
Duke got back on track with a road win at Virginia, snapping a two-game skid and giving the Blue Devils a little breathing room as they turn their attention to Boston College. A big part of the offense has been sophomore running back Nate Sheppard, who has emerged as one of the more important pieces in the backfield and ranks among the national leaders in rushing yards and carries.
Sheppards presence is even more valuable now because the recent version of Dukes offense has needed him, even if his latest outings have been somewhat limited. With Boston College up next and a tougher stretch beyond that against NC State and Miami, Duke would love to get him rolling again before the schedule stiffens further. [Read more 🡒]
Duke Loss Stings But Mia Minestrella Is Closing In On History
The early hole was too much for Duke to overcome in a 2-1 loss to 22nd-ranked Florida State, but Mia Minestrella still managed to give the Blue Devils a spark with her latest milestone. Florida State built a 2-0 lead before Minestrella answered in the 31st minute, trimming the margin and adding another chapter to a senior season that has kept her in the programs record conversation.
Minestrellas goal was her 46th of her career, a total that keeps her closing in on history even as Duke settles back into conference play at 9-2-4 overall and 4-2-3 in the ACC. Florida State left with a road win and improved to 8-2-3 overall and 4-1-2 in league action, but for Duke, the larger individual storyline remains Minestrellas pursuit of another landmark before the season runs out. [Read more 🡒]
Manny Diaz Just Put Dukes Roster Uncertainty In The Spotlight
Manny Diaz used a recent radio appearance to shine a light on a problem that has become impossible for college football programs to ignore: the uncertainty around the transfer portal and the rules that govern it. For Duke, the issue is not just philosophical. It is a practical headache that affects roster building, player movement and the planning that has to happen well beyond the current season.
Diaz pointed to the confusion created by recent player transfers and the absence of clear direction for the 2027 recruiting cycle, all while the sport waits on unresolved NCAA rule disputes. The lingering tampering case involving Clemson and Ole Miss is part of that larger cloud, and for the Blue Devils, the bigger concern is simple enough: without structural clarity, it is hard to know what the next roster looks like, or even how to properly prepare for it. [Read more 🡒]