Jon Scheyer Breaks Silence: Passionate Defense of Cameron Boozer Amid Criticism Following Duke’s Recent Struggles
In a powerful statement released just minutes ago, Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer has come to the strong defense of freshman star Cameron Boozer, calling the ongoing criticism directed at the young player “a crime against basketball.” The comments come on the heels of Duke’s challenging stretch, including their first loss of the season, highlighting the intense pressure on one of college basketball’s most hyped talents.
Scheyer’s full statement reads: “What’s happening to him is a crime against basketball — a blatant betrayal of everything this sport stands for.
How can people be so cruel? Criticizing a young man who is carrying the team on his shoulders, who shows up every single game, gives everything he has, never asks for attention, never blames anyone — he’s simply trying to win.
To me, Cameron Boozer is one of the most special players this league has ever seen. Instead of criticizing him every time the team struggles, people should stand behind him and support him.”
This outspoken support from Scheyer underscores the high expectations and scrutiny surrounding Boozer, the son of former Duke and NBA star Carlos Boozer, who has been a cornerstone of the Blue Devils’ 2025-26 campaign.
Cameron Boozer: The Freshman Phenomenon Carrying Duke
Cameron Boozer entered Duke as one of the most anticipated recruits in recent memory. Ranked as a consensus five-star prospect and the No. 3 player in the 2025 class by ESPN and 247Sports, Boozer has lived up to the hype in his debut season.
The 6-foot-9 forward has been a statistical juggernaut, averaging around 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists per game through the early part of the season.
His standout performances include a 35-point, 12-rebound explosion against Indiana State — tying for the second-highest scoring output by a Duke freshman in history — and consistent double-doubles in marquee matchups.
Boozer has led the Blue Devils in scoring, rebounding, and often assists, showcasing a mature, versatile game that includes strong post play, perimeter shooting, and playmaking ability.
Paired with his twin brother Cayden Boozer, a talented guard also on the roster, Cameron has been the focal point of Jon Scheyer’s offense. Analysts have compared him to former Duke greats like Paolo Banchero for his blend of size, skill, and poise.
NBA scouts have him projected as a top pick in the 2026 draft, with some even debating if he could go No. 1 overall.
Yet, with great talent comes great scrutiny. As Duke navigated a tough non-conference schedule, Boozer’s high usage rate — over 30% in many games — has drawn questions about whether the team’s reliance on him is hindering overall balance.
Duke’s Recent Losses and the Rising Criticism
The Blue Devils started the 2025-26 season on fire, reeling off impressive wins against top competition, including narrow victories over defending champions Florida and ranked teams like Michigan State and Kansas. Duke entered late December undefeated at 11-0, with Boozer at the helm.
However, the team’s first setback came in a heartbreaking 82-81 loss to No. 19 Texas Tech at Madison Square Garden on December 20. Despite Boozer’s strong individual performance (23 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists), Duke blew a 17-point lead, struggling with free throws and a late collapse.
This loss dropped Duke in the rankings and sparked debates about team depth and over-reliance on their star freshman.
While Duke bounced back with a hard-fought 85-79 win over Georgia Tech in their ACC opener on New Year’s Eve — where Boozer again delivered a double-double with 26 points and 12 rebounds — the narrow margins in recent games have amplified criticism.
Some analysts have pointed to Boozer’s ball-dominant style as a potential weakness, suggesting it limits contributions from supporting players like Isaiah Evans and Patrick Ngongba II.
Social media and sports talk shows have been particularly harsh, with fans and pundits questioning Boozer’s efficiency in crunch time or blaming him for team struggles despite his stellar stats. This backlash appears to be what prompted Scheyer’s emotional defense.
Jon Scheyer’s Perspective: Protecting a “Special” Talent
Jon Scheyer, in his fourth season as head coach succeeding the legendary Mike Krzyzewski, has built a reputation for developing one-and-done stars like Cooper Flagg. Now, he’s fiercely protecting Boozer, emphasizing the 18-year-old’s work ethic, selflessness, and leadership.
Scheyer’s statement highlights a common theme in college basketball: the unfair pressure on young players in high-profile programs. Boozer, despite his dominance, has shown maturity by not responding publicly to critics, focusing instead on team success.
Scheyer praised him as “one of the most special players this league has ever seen,” a bold claim that echoes the coach’s belief in Boozer’s potential to lead Duke deep into March Madness.
This isn’t the first time Scheyer has gone to bat for his players. Earlier in the season, he challenged Boozer directly at halftime of games, calling him out for “playing soft” in one instance — only for Boozer to respond with dominant second halves.
The coach-player relationship appears strong, built on tough love and mutual respect.
What This Means for Duke Moving Forward
As ACC play ramps up, Duke (currently around 12-1) remains a national title contender. Boozer’s performance will be key, but Scheyer’s public support could rally the team and fanbase. It also sends a message to critics: back off the young star who’s giving everything for the program.
College basketball thrives on stars like Boozer, but the sport’s passionate fanbase can sometimes cross into cruelty, as Scheyer pointed out. His statement may spark broader conversations about mental health and expectations for freshman phenoms in the NIL and transfer portal era.
With tough ACC matchups ahead, all eyes will be on whether Boozer and the Blue Devils can silence the doubters. If Scheyer’s words are any indication, this team — and its leader — is far from done.
