BREAKING: Five-Star Recruit Cameron Boozer Re-Commits to Duke, Shakes Up College Basketball Landscape
In a stunning reversal that has sent shockwaves through the college basketball world, Cameron Boozer, the consensus top player in the Class of 2025 and the son of former NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer, has announced he has flipped his commitment and will play for the Duke Blue Devils. The 6’9”, 235-pound powerhouse from Columbus High School in Miami had been verbally committed to the University of Michigan since last fall, but today’s announcement solidifies a legacy move to Durham.
The decision was announced via a live-streamed ceremony, where Boozer, flanked by his family, replaced a Michigan hat with the iconic Duke blue. “This was the hardest decision of my life,” Boozer stated. “I have tremendous respect for Coach [Juwan] Howard and the Michigan program. But after continued reflection and discussions with my family, I feel in my heart that Duke is the best place for my development, both on the court and as a young man. The legacy, the coaching, and the brotherhood there are unmatched.”
This flip represents a monumental victory for second-year Duke head coach Jon Scheyer. Securing the nation’s #1 player is a signature moment for Scheyer’s tenure, proving his relentless recruiting prowess and ability to close on elite talent late in the process. Boozer, a versatile forward known for his advanced offensive game, high basketball IQ, and tenacious rebounding, is viewed as a potential program-changing “one-and-done” talent.
For Duke, the impact is immediate and profound. Boozer instantly becomes the crown jewel of a 2025 recruiting class that was already highly ranked but now catapults to the likely #1 spot nationally. He is expected to be the focal point of a team that will blend his talent with other elite recruits, positioning the Blue Devils as a pre-season national championship frontrunner for the 2025-26 season.
The fallout is equally severe for Michigan. Losing a commitment of this magnitude is a devastating blow to Coach Howard’s rebuilding efforts. It leaves a gaping hole in their future roster and shifts the momentum in the fiercely competitive Big Ten recruiting battle. Analysts suggest this flip will trigger a frantic reassessment for other top uncommitted recruits, with Duke now holding even more sway.
The move also continues a notable trend of elite prospects with NBA lineage choosing Duke, following in the footsteps of players like Jayson Tatum and Paolo Banchero. Cameron’s twin brother, Cayden, a highly-touted point guard in his own right, remains committed to Michigan for now, setting up a potential unprecedented brother-vs.-brother storyline in future ACC/Big Ten challenges.
With this single announcement, the future axis of college basketball has tilted. Duke, under Scheyer, has reaffirmed its status as the sport’s preeminent recruiting powerhouse, while the chase for the 2026 national title has found its early favorite. All eyes now turn to Cameron Boozer, whose college journey will begin with immense expectation, carrying the weight of a famous name and the hopes of a Blue Devil nation eagerly awaiting his arrival in Durham.