Why Duke Freshman Cameron Boozer Has Jay Bilas Seeing Shades of Paolo Banchero

Why Duke Freshman Cameron Boozer Has Jay Bilas Seeing Shades of Paolo Banchero

Introduction: A Rising Star in Blue and White

In the storied halls of Duke basketball, where legends are born and standards run sky-high, it usually takes time  sometimes years for a young player to earn comparisons to the greats. But Cameron Boozer, only weeks into his college career, has accomplished something few freshmen ever have: he’s caught the attention of one of Duke’s most respected voices, Jay Bilas, who openly likened him to former Blue Devil superstar and No. 1 NBA Draft pick Paolo Banchero.

For Duke fans, the comparison isn’t just flattering  it’s electrifying.

As Boozer steps confidently into the spotlight, he’s proving night after night that he’s not only ready for the challenge, but he may even be redefining what a college freshman can look like in today’s game.

Why Jay Bilas Sees Paolo Banchero in Cameron Boozer

When Jay Bilas former Duke big man, longtime ESPN analyst, and one of the sharpest evaluators in the sport  compares a freshman to Paolo Banchero, it’s not casual praise. It’s a statement.

According to Bilas, the resemblance is rooted in something deeper than just height or scoring ability:

1. The Body of a Grown Man at 18

At 6-foot-9, Boozer brings a muscular frame and physicality rarely seen in players his age. Bilas described his physique and movement as “rare,” echoing the same words scouts used when evaluating Paolo during his Duke season.

2. Skill + Strength: A Devastating Combination

Like Banchero, Boozer blends:

• Soft shooting touch
• Strong rebounding instincts
• Polished footwork
• Great vision and passing
• A natural ability to create mismatches

He can bully defenders inside, rise over smaller players, and punish bigger ones with finesse  just like Paolo did.

3. A Mature, Competitive Nature

Bilas emphasized Boozer’s poise and intelligence, noting his ability to:

• Read double teams
• Make the right pass
• Finish through contact
• Control the pace of a game

The phrase Bilas used carried weight:

“He’s not guardable with just one guy.”

That’s the same scouting report teams had on Paolo.

The Tennessee Exhibition: The First ‘Supernova’ Moment

Before Boozer ever played an official NCAA game, he lit up Tennessee in an exhibition that immediately went viral among college hoops fans.

His Stat Line: Outrageous. Dominant. Unignorable.

Against a tough, physical Volunteers squad  and in the hostile Thompson-Boling Arena  Boozer posted:

• 24 points
• 23 rebounds
• 6 assists
• 2 blocks
• 1 steal

Rick Barnes, known for suffocating defense and elite rebounding teams, rarely allows a single player to dominate his frontcourt. Bilas summed it up in disbelief:

“Rick Barnes doesn’t give up 24 rebounds to one guy  exhibition or not.”

That performance alone signaled that Boozer wasn’t just talented  he was special.

A Historic Start to His Duke Career

The Tennessee explosion wasn’t a one-time flash. Boozer has been consistently brilliant with the ball in his hands:

Through his first four games at Duke:

• 22.5 points per game
• 10.5 rebounds per game
• Two double-doubles
• 35-point breakout vs. Indiana State
• ACC Rookie & Player of the Week honors

His 35-point masterpiece wasn’t just impressive  it was historic, ranking second-most points by a Duke freshman behind Cooper Flagg’s 42 the previous year.

Even more impressive? He joined elite company by becoming:

The first major-conference freshman since Carmelo Anthony in 2003 to post 30+ points, 10+ rebounds, 5+ assists, and no more than one turnover.

That’s not just good.
That’s generational.

The Duke DNA: Legacy and Intelligence

Cameron isn’t just another top recruit; he’s a Boozer part of Duke bloodline.

His father, Carlos Boozer:

• Played under Coach K
• Was a key piece on Duke’s 2001 championship team
• Became an NBA All-Star

His twin brother, Cayden:

Also a Duke freshman, adding chemistry, comfort, and family to the locker room.

Coach K himself recently praised Cam’s natural instincts and discipline:

“He has the body of a man, but the feet of a guard. He’s incredibly intelligent and unbelievably physical.”

Coach K even hinted at the possibility of Boozer recording:

“Many triple-doubles.”

That’s high praise from the greatest college coach of all time.

The Champions Classic Storyline: Boozer vs. Peterson  or Maybe Not

Duke’s matchup with Kansas in the Champions Classic was supposed to showcase a showdown between:

• Cam Boozer
• Darryn Peterson (another elite freshman)

But with Peterson dealing with a lingering hamstring injury, the clash remains uncertain. Kansas coach Bill Self made it clear he’ll prioritize long-term health over a marquee matchup.

Still, Boozer’s Madison Square Garden debut at 9 p.m. ET on Nov. 18 will be one of the biggest college basketball moments of the early season, whether Peterson plays or not.

Why Opponents Are Already ‘Head-Scratching’ Over Boozer

Jay Bilas says coaches are going to struggle all season trying to defend the young phenom.

To stop Boozer, you must:

• Send multiple bodies
• Guard him 20 feet from the basket
• Stay physical without fouling
• Collapse when he drives
• Close out when he shoots
• And somehow still protect the paint

But doing that opens opportunities for Duke’s other weapons like Isaiah Evans, who dropped 20+ in the opener while Boozer drew all the attention.

In Bilas’s words:

“He’s such a supernova. He pulls gravity toward himself.”

And when one player demands that much attention, the entire offense becomes more dangerous.

Duke basketball has seen its share of phenoms:

• Zion Williamson
• Paolo Banchero
• Jahlil Okafor
• Jabari Parker
• Brandon Ingram
• Marvin Bagley III

But Cameron Boozer might be the next  and perhaps even the most complete  freshman to grace the program.

He is strong, skilled, poised, and relentless.
He’s got NBA tools at 18.
He’s got Duke lineage.
He’s got the respect of Bilas, Coach K, and every scout who’s watched him.

Most importantly, he has the “it factor” something that can’t be taught.

As the season unfolds, one thing is becoming unmistakably clear:
Duke doesn’t just have a good freshman…
They have the next great Duke superstar.