The torch has officially been passed at Duke University. As Cooper Flagg prepares for his NBA journey as the projected No. 1 overall pick, incoming freshman Cayden Boozer will inherit jersey number 2 for the 2025-26 season.
Cayden Boozer Gets Flagg’s Jersey Number 2
Duke’s social media announcement revealed the jersey numbers for next season. While Boozer wore #2 at Christopher Columbus High School, he will now inherit Flagg’s #2 at Duke, taking over the number that became synonymous with excellence at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
’25-26 #⃣👿 pic.twitter.com/UDCmMDWljF
— Duke Men’s Basketball (@DukeMBB) June 17, 2025
Flagg chose to wear No. 2 for deeply personal reasons, honoring Donovan Kurt, a teammate of his older brother who passed away from brain cancer at age 19. The number carried special meaning throughout Flagg’s dominant freshman year with the Blue Devils.
Now, that legacy transfers to Cayden, the son of former Duke champion Carlos Boozer. The 6-foot-5 point guard is ranked as the No. 17 overall player in the 2025 recruiting class by ESPN and represents one of the nation’s most accomplished prospects.
Cayden arrives alongside twin brother Cameron Boozer, the No. 2 overall recruit in the 2025 class. The dynamic duo helped lead Christopher Columbus High School to four consecutive state championships, with Cameron averaging 24.5 points and 13.4 rebounds.
Can Cayden Follow Cooper Flagg’s One-and-Done Path?
Flagg’s remarkable one-and-done season set a high bar for future Duke stars at the program. The projected No. 1 overall NBA Draft pick averaged 19.2 points and 7.5 rebounds while leading the Blue Devils to the Final Four in his lone college season.
His twin brother Cameron appears destined for a quicker NBA path given his class ranking and overall high school stats. But Cayden brings different strengths that could develop over time at Duke. His elite playmaking ability positions him as Duke’s floor general for potentially multiple seasons. He led the Nike EYBL circuit with 6.5 assists per game and has won two gold medals with Team USA, demonstrating consistent leadership and court vision.
His point guard skills may require more college seasoning than Flagg’s immediate dominance. Cayden could benefit from establishing himself as Duke’s primary facilitator before making the professional leap, building his scoring consistency and overall game management at the collegiate level.
Cayden’s inheritance of the No. 2 jersey symbolizes more than tradition – it represents his opportunity to grow into greatness at Duke. While his brother is more likely to go one-and-done, Cayden could develop into a complete player while establishing his own legendary Duke legacy.