Cayden Boozer: Could He Be Duke’s Long-Awaited Answer at Point Guard?

Cayden Boozer: Could He Be Duke’s Long-Awaited Answer at Point Guard?

Every season brings its share of storylines for Duke Basketball, but this year one question might overshadow the rest: Is Cayden Boozer ready to step in and be the point guard that Jon Scheyer has been searching for?

Since taking over for Mike Krzyzewski, Scheyer has proven he can reel in elite talent. He’s stacked classes with five-star forwards, wings, and versatile scorers. But one thing still feels missing: that true, game-changing floor general. It’s the role that Duke legends like Jay Williams, Jason Terry, and Tyus Jones once embodied  a guard who doesn’t just run the offense but commands it. Could Boozer be next in that lineage?

Living in Cameron’s Shadow  And Stepping Out of It

Naturally, most of the spotlight has followed Cameron Boozer, the twin brother who’s been projected as the future No. 1 NBA Draft pick for years. But Cayden Boozer has quietly built his own reputation as a high-IQ, steady point guard who thrives on making the right play. He knows his brother’s game better than anyone else in the country, which only amplifies the chemistry the Boozers bring to Duke.

Still, Cayden is more than just Cameron’s complement. Coaches rave about his feel for the game, his ability to read defenses, and his calm demeanor under pressure. He might not light up highlight reels every night, but he plays the kind of basketball that wins games in March.

The Big Question: His Shooting

Every scouting report brings up the same thing: can Boozer consistently hit outside shots? That’s the one area of his game still under a microscope. The good news for Duke is that it doesn’t necessarily need him to be a lights-out shooter. The roster is loaded with perimeter weapons in Isaiah Evans, Darren Harris, Caleb Foster, Nik Khamenia, and of course Cameron Boozer. That allows Cayden to focus on distributing, defending, and running the team  all areas where he’s more than capable.

The Boozer vs. Foster Debate

Plenty has been made about the point guard competition between Boozer and returning sophomore Caleb Foster. Who will start? Who will get more minutes? Honestly, the answer might not matter as much as fans think. Duke has enviable depth at the position, and that competition could push both players to another level. A team with multiple ball-handlers who can initiate the offense is a dangerous team in today’s game.

If Foster’s outside shooting gives him the edge to start, Boozer’s poise and leadership might keep him closing games. Or, perhaps Scheyer will trust Boozer from day one and let Foster thrive as a high-energy spark off the bench. Either way, Duke is in a far stronger place at point guard than it’s been in recent years.

A Defining Season Ahead

For Duke, the 2025–26 season is loaded with expectations. With the Boozer twins, plus a supporting cast stacked with talent, this roster looks capable of chasing a national title. But history has shown that even elite rosters can crumble without a steady point guard to guide them. That’s why the development of Cayden Boozer may be one of the most important storylines of the season.

Is he ready to be “the guy” at the most demanding position in college basketball? That answer may ultimately define not just his own career, but Duke’s championship hopes.