Cameron Boozer of Duke basketball and Blue Devils recruits’ actions during the Nike Hoop Summit game

The Nike Hoop Summit has long been a proving ground for the nation’s top young basketball talent—a showcase where dreams collide with expectations under the glow of international eyes. For Duke basketball, this year’s summit was more than just a gathering of elite prospects; it was a glimpse into a future painted in blue and white. With Cameron Boozer taking center stage and several other Duke-bound or Duke-targeted players joining him, the event became a powerful recruiting showcase for Jon Scheyer’s program.

Cameron Boozer: The Next Big Thing?

Cameron Boozer, the son of former Duke and NBA star Carlos Boozer, entered the 2025 Nike Hoop Summit with heavy expectations. The 6-foot-9 forward has been a known commodity since his early high school days, and his skill set has only expanded since. In Portland, Oregon, where the best young American players took on a select team of international stars, Boozer brought both pedigree and polish.

From the opening tip, Boozer asserted himself—not with flashy plays, but with a mature, calculated approach to the game. He rebounded in traffic, facilitated offense with crisp passing, and made decisive moves in the paint. His basketball IQ was on full display, as was his competitive fire. Boozer finished the game with 16 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists, earning praise from scouts and coaches for his all-around performance.

While the stats were solid, what stood out even more was his leadership. Boozer directed teammates on defense, encouraged younger players, and spoke with poise in postgame interviews. “It’s all about winning and making the right play,” Boozer said. “My dad always told me to play the game the right way—defend, rebound, and don’t force anything. I just wanted to represent the U.S. the right way and have fun with these guys.”

Duke’s Recruiting Footprint on Display

Boozer may be the most well-known Duke name at the Summit, but he wasn’t alone. The Blue Devils had fingerprints all over the event, with multiple players either committed to the program or firmly in the recruiting orbit.

Among those turning heads was Cooper Flagg, who, though already a national celebrity in high school basketball circles, continued to validate his status as the No. 1 player in the 2025 class. Though Flagg is committed to Duke and preparing for his freshman year, his presence alongside Boozer symbolized a potential passing of the torch.

Flagg’s performance was electric: 21 points, 6 rebounds, 3 blocks, and an array of highlight-worthy moments, including a chase-down block that brought the crowd to its feet. Though not officially part of the 2025 recruiting class anymore, his presence and mentorship meant a lot to the younger players like Boozer.

“Having Cooper out there with us was awesome,” Boozer said. “He’s a competitor. That energy rubs off on all of us. And just watching how he approaches the game helps me learn.”

Another player drawing attention was Khaman Maluach, the towering 7-footer from South Sudan who represented the World Team. Though uncommitted, Maluach is a top target for Duke and said after the game that he has enjoyed a “very positive relationship” with the Blue Devils coaching staff. He scored 10 points and blocked 3 shots, showing incredible timing and mobility for his size.

Future Blue Devils Shine Bright

Also representing the American side was Dylan Harper, a combo guard with elite court vision and a crafty scoring ability. Harper, long rumored to be leaning toward Duke before committing to Rutgers, remains friendly with several Duke players and spent time postgame chatting with Boozer and Flagg. While Duke fans may lament that they didn’t land Harper, his performance was a reminder of the level of talent in this class—he posted 15 points and 5 assists, looking in complete control against international pressure.

Another standout with Duke ties was Isaiah Evans, a 6-foot-7 shooting guard and part of Duke’s upcoming freshman class. Evans scored 13 points on 3-of-5 shooting from deep, flashing the elite shot-making that made him one of Jon Scheyer’s earliest targets. Known for his smooth stroke and high basketball IQ, Evans said the Summit helped him grow his confidence.

“Just being around so many great players—you have to bring your A-game,” Evans said. “It gives me a preview of what it’ll be like at Duke. The coaching, the preparation, the pressure—it’s all next-level.”

Global Talent, Local Impact

On the international side, prospects like Matas Buzelis (Lithuania) and Zvonimir Ivisic (Croatia) added to the high-level competition. Duke has scouted globally under Scheyer, and the presence of these international stars brought another layer of intrigue.

While Duke hasn’t officially offered either player, insiders suggest the staff has kept tabs on Ivisic, who posted 8 points and 6 rebounds while displaying perimeter skills unusual for a player his size. Boozer, when asked about playing against international talent, highlighted the learning curve: “They’re physical. They know how to play together. You’ve got to earn everything.”

That type of exposure is exactly what Duke wants for its players and prospects: a trial by fire against the world’s best.

A Brotherhood Already Forming

Beyond the individual stats, the brotherhood forming among Duke’s incoming class was evident in their body language. During breaks in play, Boozer and Evans were often seen joking on the bench. Flagg offered advice in huddles. After the game, several players took photos together, smiling wide in their USA jerseys but fully aware that the next time they’re in uniform, it may be under the Duke banner.

The chemistry is palpable.

“That bond starts early,” Flagg said. “It’s not just about showing up in Durham and figuring things out. We’re building those relationships now so that when we get there, we’re ready to go.”

For Boozer, the sense of belonging is personal. His father’s Duke legacy looms large, but he’s forging his own path—one that’s humble, team-first, and built on the type of intangibles that made Carlos Boozer a fan favorite at Cameron Indoor Stadium.

What This Means for Duke

The Nike Hoop Summit was never meant to be a Duke showcase—but that’s exactly what it became. With players like Boozer, Evans, and Flagg playing prominent roles, the Blue Devils’ brand was front and center in a showcase watched by NBA scouts and international fans alike.

Jon Scheyer’s recruiting strategy is clearly paying dividends. He’s not only landed elite talent, but he’s cultivated a group that genuinely enjoys playing together—rare in the modern recruiting era, where egos often outweigh team dynamics.

The fact that these players are willing to support each other now—months or even years before sharing a college court—bodes well for the program’s chemistry moving forward.

Scouting Feedback: Boozer Rising

Several NBA scouts present at the Nike Hoop Summit spoke anonymously about the players. One West Coast scout said of Boozer: “He’s a pro. If he were draft-eligible today, he’d go in the top 10. The footwork, the feel, the physicality—he’s built for the next level.”

Another international scout added: “Boozer plays like a vet. He doesn’t try to dominate every possession, but he affects the game in every way. That’s rare at this level.”

For Duke fans, it’s hard not to get excited. With Boozer trending toward Durham and his peers showing similar poise and production, the future looks blindingly bright.

Looking Ahead: Boozer’s Decision Timeline

While Boozer remains uncommitted as of April 2025, there’s growing speculation that he may announce his decision this summer. Multiple sources close to the family suggest Duke remains the heavy favorite, thanks to the program’s history, coaching staff, and the existing relationships Boozer has formed with incoming players.

Still, Boozer remains tight-lipped: “I’m focused on finishing my high school career strong. The recruiting part will take care of itself.”

Regardless of when the announcement comes, the Nike Hoop Summit likely solidified what many already suspected—Cameron Boozer fits the Duke mold, and Duke may be the ideal place for him to elevate his game.

The Nike Hoop Summit always provides insight into the next wave of basketball greatness, and this year, it doubled as a Duke-themed exhibition. With Cameron Boozer leading the way and a constellation of Blue Devils and future recruits orbiting the event, the message was clear: Duke’s future is in good hands.

The program’s blend of elite talent, character, and cohesion is something few can replicate. And if this Summit was any indication, Cameron Boozer might just be the crown jewel of Duke’s next great era.