Duke’s New Star Explodes for 35+9, Smashing a 30-Year Record! Two-Time MVP Proves His Worth as U.S. Media Backs the No. 1 Pick

On November 28 (Beijing time), the NCAA action continued as Duke University triumphed over Arkansas 80–71, securing their eighth consecutive win. The spotlight was firmly on Duke’s rising superstar, Cameron Boozer, who claimed the court from the opening tip. Whether it was hitting threes, attacking the rim, facilitating plays, or locking down on defense, the 6’8”, 18-year-old phenom looked unstoppable.

Boozer logged 36 minutes, going 13-for-18 from the field and 2-for-4 from deep. He finished with 35 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals, shooting a dazzling 72.2% overall and 50% from three. Anyone who watched the highlights could feel the explosiveness—his talent leaps off the screen. It’s hard to believe he only turned 18 this past September.

Before college, Boozer was already a dominant force in international play: averaging 16.8 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists to help Team USA win the U16 FIBA Americas Championship, then posting 20.1 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists to capture the U17 World Cup title. He became MVP of both tournaments and was named Gatorade National Player of the Year in 2023 and 2025, a rare honor that marked him as a generational talent even in high school.

In just two weeks at Duke, he has already recorded two 35-point performances. Historically, only a select few—such as Zion Williamson—have reached that mark, with Kyle Filipowski holding the Duke single-game record at 42 points.

Boozer also became the only player in the past 30 years of Division I basketball to produce at least 175 points, 75 rebounds, 25 assists, and 10 or fewer turnovers over his first eight NCAA games—all while leading his team to an undefeated start.

Just one day ago, Bleacher Report’s 2026 NBA mock draft projected Boozer to go second overall to the Hawks via the Pelicans’ pick, with the top spot belonging to Patterson. However, U.S. outlet FV shared Boozer’s highlights and stats, declaring: “Watching this game gave me chills—this might be one of the most impressive individual college performances we’ll see all season. This is what a true number-one pick looks like.”

Currently, Boozer is averaging 22.8 points, 9.8 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.87 steals in just 29.5 minutes per game, shooting 57% from the field and 39% from beyond the arc. The numbers speak for themselves: this young Duke star is something special.