Blue Devil Country

Duke Basketball: Boozer Twins Fall to No. 1 Prospect

Even in rare defeat, the future Duke basketball tandem nearly recorded a pair of double-doubles.

Matt Giles

Duke basketball recruiting pledges Cayden and Cameron Boozer
Duke basketball recruiting pledges Cayden and Cameron Boozer / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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In September, Columbus High School (Fla.) five-stars Cayden and Cameron Boozer totaled 72 points to power a 95-72 win over Utah Prep despite 43 points from its top-ranked 2025 talent, AJ Dybantsa. Plus, the two early 2025 Duke basketball commits fueled a 71-62 championship victory when their Nightrydas Elite team faced Dybantsa and the Oakland Soldiers at Peach Jam back in July.

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But Dybantsa, an undecided five-star phenom forward whose announced reclassification last October knocked Cameron Boozer down to No. 2 overall on the 247Sports 2025 Composite, appeared determined to get his payback on Sunday night.

Squaring off against Columbus at The Border League in Las Vegas, the 6-foot-9, 210-pound Dybantsa tallied 28 points, four rebounds, and two assists to ensure Utah Prep prevailed, 69-68, thus avoiding another loss to the twin sons of 2001 Duke basketball national champ Carlos Boozer.

Cameron Boozer, a 6-foot-9, 235-pound gifted wonder in the paint and beyond, came up empty on the Explorers' last possession due to a shot-clock violation. However, his prowess in the contest, to the tune of 20 points and 10 rebounds, ignited an impressive comeback after trailing by as many as 16 points in the second half.

Cayden Boozer, a 6-foot-4, 205-pound savvy floor general boasting a No. 21 composite ranking in the class, chipped in 17 points. And he came up one dime short of turning in a double-double of his own.

Currently, the Boozer brothers are Duke's only 2025 recruiting prizes. That said, their recent commitments amount to the Blue Devils holding a No. 9 ranking in the cycle, per 247Sports.

Duke basketball head coach Jon Scheyer extended an offer to Dybantsa in early May. Roughly three months later, though, the potentially record-shattering NIL beneficiary excluded the blueblood recruiting powerhouse from his seven named finalists.

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Stay tuned to Duke Blue Devils On SI for more Duke basketball news.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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