Caleb Wilson vs. Cameron Boozer: A Fresh Chapter in College Basketball’s Greatest Rivalry
When it comes to college basketball, few matchups carry the weight, history, and electricity of North Carolina vs. Duke. And this Saturday, the rivalry gets a fresh jolt of star power as two of the nation’s top freshmen - UNC’s Caleb Wilson and Duke’s Cameron Boozer - take center stage in Chapel Hill.
Both players are already projected as top-five picks in the 2026 NBA Draft, but before they head to the league, they’ve got business to handle in the 266th installment of the Tobacco Road rivalry. This one tips off Saturday at 6:30 p.m.
ET at the Dean E. Smith Center, and the stakes are exactly what you’d expect: pride, positioning in the ACC, and a chance for two future pros to etch their names into rivalry lore.
A Battle of Blue Bloods - and Blue-Chip Talent
Let’s start with the headliners. Wilson has been a force for the Tar Heels, averaging 20 points and just under 10 boards per game.
He’s a matchup nightmare - long, fluid, and skilled, with a feel for the game that’s well beyond his years. On the other side, Boozer’s been a revelation for Duke.
He leads the Blue Devils with 23.3 points and 9.9 rebounds per game, anchoring both ends of the floor with a physical presence and high basketball IQ. This isn’t just a freshman duel - it’s a clash of future NBA cornerstones.
But they’re not alone. The supporting casts are deep and talented, and both teams are playing high-level basketball.
UNC comes in ranked 14th nationally at 18-4 overall and 6-3 in ACC play. They’ve been perfect at home this season, and they’ll be looking to protect that streak while avoiding a fourth straight loss to Duke - something that hasn’t happened since 2016.
Meanwhile, Duke is rolling. At 21-1 and undefeated in conference play (10-0), the fourth-ranked Blue Devils are eyeing a regular-season ACC crown and more.
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Duke swept the season series last year, winning all three matchups, including one in Chapel Hill. In fact, the Blue Devils have won four of their last six on Roy Williams Court, and they’ve looked every bit like a juggernaut this season. They’re outscoring opponents by over 20 points per game and shooting just under 50% from the field.
But this is Duke-UNC. Rankings, records, and streaks? They matter until the ball goes up - then it’s about poise, execution, and who can rise to the moment.
No Key Injuries - Full Strength, Full Firepower
The ACC’s availability report confirmed what fans on both sides were hoping to hear: no rotation players are listed on the injury report. That means we’re getting both squads at full strength, and that’s exactly what this rivalry deserves.
Projected Starters: Who’s Taking the Floor?
For UNC:
- Derek Dixon (5.8 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 2.4 apg)
- Jaydon Young (2.1 ppg)
- Seth Trimble (14.5 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2.8 apg)
- Caleb Wilson (20.0 ppg, 9.8 rpg, 2.8 apg)
- Henri Veesaar (16.8 ppg, 9.0 rpg, 2.0 apg)
For Duke:
- Caleb Foster (8.7 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 2.5 apg)
- Isaiah Evans (14.2 ppg, 3.1 rpg)
- Dame Sarr (5.6 ppg, 3.2 rpg)
- Cameron Boozer (23.3 ppg, 9.9 rpg, 4.1 apg)
- Patrick Ngongba II (11.0 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 2.0 apg)
Both lineups are loaded with length, athleticism, and versatility. Expect tempo shifts, defensive adjustments, and plenty of NBA scouts in the building.
By the Numbers: Team Stats Breakdown
UNC:
- Points per game: 83.1
- Points allowed: 70.6
- FG%: 48.1
- 3PT%: 34.4
- NET ranking: 27
Duke:
- Points per game: 84.1
- Points allowed: 63.6
- FG%: 49.9
- 3PT%: 33.8
- NET ranking: 2
The Blue Devils have been more efficient on both ends, especially defensively, but the Heels have the kind of offensive firepower that can turn a game in a matter of minutes - especially in front of a raucous home crowd.
What’s at Stake?
For UNC, it’s about defending home court, snapping a losing streak in the rivalry, and proving they belong in the upper tier of the ACC heading into the stretch run. For Duke, it’s about staying unbeaten in conference play, continuing their dominance over their archrival, and keeping momentum heading toward March.
But beyond all that, this is about legacy. Wilson and Boozer are already household names in college hoops circles, but moments like these - primetime, rivalry, national spotlight - are where legends begin to form.
The Road Ahead
After this clash, both teams have tough schedules to close out the regular season. UNC hits the road for Miami, NC State, and Syracuse, while Duke has key matchups with Clemson, Syracuse, and Michigan on the horizon - not to mention the rematch with UNC on March 7 in Durham.
But that’s down the line. Right now, all eyes are on Chapel Hill. The rivalry is back, the stars are shining, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
**Tipoff is 6:30 p.m. ET.
Get ready. This one’s going to be special.
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