In a bittersweet announcement that has left the Duke Blue Devils faithful in tears, head coach Jon Scheyer confirmed today that star freshman forward Cameron Boozer will depart the program after the 2025-26 season to declare for the 2026 NBA Draft.

The emotional revelation came during a packed press conference in Durham on, where Scheyer fought back visible emotion while praising the 18-year-old phenom who has already etched his name into Duke lore.

“We will miss you a lot,” Scheyer said, his voice cracking as he addressed Boozer directly, echoing the sentiments of an entire fanbase that has fallen in love with the son of Duke legend Carlos Boozer. “Cameron has been everything we hoped for and more.

He’s not just a tremendous player—he’s a tremendous person. This team, this program, this university… we’re better because of him. But we all knew this day would come sooner rather than later.”

Cameron Boozer, the No. 2 overall recruit in the 2025 class and a projected top-3 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, has lived up to every ounce of the astronomical hype in his debut college season.

Standing 6’9″ with a silky smooth left-handed game, elite scoring instincts, and a rebounding tenacity that draws constant comparisons to his father, Boozer has emerged as the cornerstone of Duke’s reloaded roster.

Through the first dozen games of the 2025-26 campaign, he’s averaging a team-high 21.4 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 3.2 assists, including multiple 30-point explosions and a season-high 35 points in a blowout win over Indiana State.

His impact goes far beyond the stat sheet.

Alongside twin brother Cayden Boozer—a dynamic point guard dishing out highlights and leadership—and a talented supporting cast featuring returners like Caleb Foster, Maliq Brown, Isaiah Evans, and Patrick Ngongba II, plus fellow freshmen Dame Sarr and Sebastian Wilkins, Cameron has helped propel the No.

3-ranked Blue Devils to an 11-1 start. The lone blemish? A heartbreaking collapse against Texas Tech just before the holidays, where Boozer poured in 28 points and 12 rebounds in a valiant but ultimately futile effort.

Scheyer’s confirmation ends months of speculation. While Boozer had remained coy about his future—focusing on team goals and the pursuit of a national championship—NBA scouts have long viewed him as a can’t-miss prospect.

Mock drafts across ESPN, The Athletic, and CBS Sports unanimously slot him in the lottery, with many projecting him as high as No. 1 or 2 behind only consensus top pick AJ Dybantsa.

His blend of size, skill, and polish at such a young age has drawn rave reviews from executives, who praise his footwork in the post, improving perimeter game, and relentless motor on both ends.

The decision, while expected, hits hard for Duke Nation. Cameron grew up idolizing the Blue Devils, committing alongside Cayden in a package deal that electrified the recruiting world and signaled Jon Scheyer’s mastery in keeping Duke atop the college basketball hierarchy.

From his first Cameron Indoor Stadium ovation to viral dunks and clutch plays, Boozer has embodied the program’s storied tradition. Fans flooded social media immediately after the announcement, posting tearful tributes with captions like “We will miss you a lot, Cam” and “One more ride—make it a championship!”

Teammates were equally emotional. Cayden Boozer, who has formed an unbreakable on-court chemistry with his twin, told reporters, “He’s my brother first, teammate second. Whatever he decides, I’ll support 100%. But yeah…

it’s gonna hurt not having him out there next year.” Veteran guard Caleb Foster added, “Cam’s the reason we’re this good. He’s carried us at times. Losing him will be tough, but we’re gonna send him out the right way—with a banner.”

For Scheyer, in his fourth season at the helm, this marks yet another one-and-done superstar departure—following in the footsteps of Cooper Flagg, who went No. 1 overall in the 2025 Draft after a historic freshman campaign. Yet the coach remains philosophical: “This is Duke.

We recruit the best, develop the best, and celebrate when they achieve their dreams. Cameron’s ready for the next level, and we’ll be cheering louder than anyone when he’s shaking the commissioner’s hand in June.”

The timing adds urgency to the Blue Devils’ championship chase. With a loaded schedule ahead—including marquee matchups against ACC foes like North Carolina (twice), Florida in the ACC/SEC Challenge, and potential rematches with top non-conference opponents—Duke sits firmly in the national title conversation.

Boozer’s presence gives them a legitimate shot at cutting down the nets in April, sending their star off in storybook fashion.

As the season presses on, every Cameron Boozer highlight feels a little more precious. Every Cameron Crazies chant a little louder. And every win a step closer to ensuring his lone year in Durham ends not with goodbye tears, but with confetti and rings.

Cameron Boozer’s Duke chapter is far from over—but when it closes, the legacy of No. 12 will endure forever. The NBA awaits its next great Boozer. Duke, for now, just wants one more magical run.