Duke freshman Cayden Boozer wants to set the record straight about his commitment decision. The five-star point guard responded to fan theories that his father’s legacy influenced his choice to attend the same university where Carlos Boozer won a national championship in 2001.
Did Carlos Boozer Influence Cayden’s Duke Decision?
In a video posted on Duke Basketball’s official YouTube channel, Cayden Boozer acknowledged his father’s Duke legacy but clarified it wasn’t the reason for his commitment. The 6’4″ guard opened up about what fans have been saying about his decision.
“I feel like there’s a consensus of fans that believe the only reason that I chose Duke was because my dad went here. Obviously like he was great here and like his legacy here is always going to be remembered. And I’m never going to shy away from that,” Boozer said in the video.
The elder Boozer’s legacy includes helping lead the Blue Devils to the 2001 NCAA Championship alongside Jason Williams and Mike Dunleavy Jr. Carlos Boozer left for the NBA Draft after his junior season in 2002.
Despite that championship pedigree, the younger Boozer insisted his father’s success wasn’t a factor. “But like he didn’t have a part or like him coming here wasn’t a reason that I end up committing here, you know?” he continued.
Instead, Cayden pointed to Duke’s overall package as the deciding factor.
“Obviously, when you see Duke in person and you visit it and you just see everything that comes with it, whether best practicing, the best players, and obviously the academics and just the connections you can make outside of basketball, like it was just a perfect place for me,” he said.
The consensus five-star recruit chose Duke over programs like Miami, Florida, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Arkansas after visiting each campus in late August and early September 2024.
What Can Duke Fans Expect This Season?
Boozer expressed confidence about Duke’s upcoming season and his new teammates. The consensus five-star recruit, ranked No. 16 nationally by ESPN, believes this team has special potential.
“I couldn’t see myself at any other school, you know, going through the recruiting process and going on a visit like Duke and going to a game like Duke and Arizona where even though they didn’t win, but like you feel the intensity and you just want to be in those type of games in those type of situations,” Boozer explained.
Boozer’s excitement carried over when talking about his new teammates and Duke’s potential this season. “Just meeting all the guys has been like super amazing. You know, we have some returners, we got some freshman. And it’s like I feel like we mesh really well.”
He said that this season, fans can expect a big year.
“I feel like the fans, all of you guys, can expect a really big season out of us because I can see how hard we work, and this is easily the best team I’ve ever been on. And I believe in this team more than any team I’ve ever been on. So this is going to be a great year and there’s a lot to stay tuned in for, man,” he concluded.
Boozer’s optimism comes from his proven high school credentials. During his senior season at Christopher Columbus High School, he averaged 14.3 points, 7.2 assists, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.3 steals. He shot 61% from the field, 45% from three-point range, and 86% from the free-throw line while leading his team to a fourth consecutive state championship.
Those numbers support his confident predictions about Duke’s upcoming season. Cayden’s message came through clearly: he picked Duke for what the program offers, not because of family history.
