Boozer Twins open to all schools -- including Kentucky: "It's a great program all-time"

Not one, but two blue-chip talents under the same roof? When you’re the twin sons of two-time NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer, it happens. That’s the case with Cameron and Cayden Boozer, the Nos. 1 and 20 overall prospects in the rising junior class according to the 2025 On3 Industry Ranking. The former is the top-ranked power forward in the nation while the latter is the fourth-best point guard overall, both drawing offers and interest from the top programs in college basketball.

The Duke connection

Let’s get the big one out of the way first: Dad’s alma mater, Duke University.

Yes, Jon Scheyer and the Blue Devils are interested, and the feeling is mutual.

“(I hear from Duke) a good amount,” Cameron said. “He’s a good coach who is following up an all-time great. It’s tough, but I feel like he’s going to do a good job the next couple of years.”

“Coach Scheyer and Coach Lucas (reach out),” Cayden added. “They did a good job last year and I’m looking forward to what they do this year and the years after that.”

Are they truly wide open?

But the Boozer Twins want to make one thing clear: their individual recruitments are wide open. Could they play together at Duke? Sure. But could they play elsewhere, potentially even at different schools? Absolutely.

“I don’t have to stress it (with schools recruiting me), it’s a known thing (I’m wide open),” Cameron told KSR. “Whatever school wants me and pushes for me, if I see a good fit, that’s where I’m going to go.”

“It would be a blessing to go with him,” Cayden said of playing in college with Cam. “It could happen, but I’m not really sure if it’s going to happen. We’ve got to see if it’s the best fit for both of us.”

The Blue Devils are simply one of many programs pushing for the pair of top-20 recruits. Joining them? Miami (FL), Florida, Arkansas, Missouri, Louisville, Kentucky, North Carolina and Michigan, Cameron told KSR. Cayden added that “All of the schools talking to me really care about me” and “I really need to talk to more schools to see, talk to the schools I’ve been talking to more to see who is prioritizing me the most.”

Kentucky pushes in its chips

One school that has made it clear it wants both recruits out of Miami? The University of Kentucky, recruitments led by head coach John Calipari. And the Boozer Twins, who received scholarship offers from the Wildcats back on May 17, are listening to the program’s pitch both individually and as a pair.

“Obviously it’s a great program all-time, always have great players and successful players in the NBA. It’s a good school that knows how to develop their players for the next level,” Cameron told KSR.

“It was great (receiving an offer). I’ve been watching Kentucky since I was young,” Cayden added. “They’re always in the tournament. Having a school like Kentucky offer me, a school that’s a winning program, it’s a great feeling for sure.” 

Emphasis on both individually and as a pair. It’s one thing for a program to prioritize the top-ranked recruit in America, and maybe even be willing to bring on a family member or friend to sweeten the offer. But that’s not how Coach Cal is operating with this one — he’s pushing for them both as separate prospects, individual offers beyond the typical package deal.

John Calipari’s pitch

That’s something that goes a long way with the standout point guard, who averaged 14.4 points and an event-high 6.7 assists per contest at Peach Jam while shooting 57.7% overall and 40% from three. He also led the circuit in dimes during the regular season, averaging 8.6 per contest while adding 12.2 points and 4.6 rebounds per contest.

“He wants me as well,” Cayden said. “It’s not just about wanting Cameron, you know? He wants me as a player as well. He’s just really excited to build this relationship and see me develop. I didn’t get to watch a ton of Kentucky games this past year, but I’m definitely going to watch more this season. I’m excited to learn more about the program, get a feel for it.”

And then there’s Cameron, who averaged 24.9 points and 13.2 rebounds per game during the regular season, then 15.4 and 10.9 at Peach Jam.

“(Calipari) says he’s coached a lot of great guys, which obviously he has,” Cam said of Kentucky’s pitch. “He says he’s not going to lie to me, he’s going to be straightforward. He takes the best players and develops them for the next level, really wants the opportunity to coach me.”

What about North Carolina?

What about the other big blue-blood program, dad’s arch-rival during his time at Duke? North Carolina, who also extended offers back on May 21, is very much on the table for both, as well.

“I’m definitely interested. It’s a great school, there’s no reason not to be,” Cam said of the Tar Heels. “They want me, they want to have a good relationship. They want me to come play for them. … Not really (an issue it’s his father’s former rival), he knows it’s a great school and a great option. They want to build a relationship and really want me to come play for them.”

“It was a blessing to get that offer, just talking to Coach (Hubert) Davis and that new staff,” Cayden added. “It was a great experience and my dad was happy for me. He wants me to have my own path, even if it means going to a rival of his old school. I feel like he would (be OK with me going there), he’s been supportive the entire way.

“Whatever school we choose, he’ll be happy with.”

That last point comes up often when discussing the Boozers’ recruitment(s) in basketball circles. No pressure to follow in his footsteps to Durham, open to watching his sons create their own legacies elsewhere. It doesn’t hurt that Mike Krzyzewski is no longer pulling all of the strings and he was replaced by a guy who didn’t arrive on campus till four years after Carlos Boozer entered the NBA. A legacy advantage, sure, but there’s at least a level of separation there.

College only — no pro route

One thing that remains clear among all of the options on the table? College is the only path being considered. The Boozer brothers have no interest in the pro routes — G League Ignite, Overtime Elite and overseas options will not be considered.

“There are more options and for some people that’s their best route, but for me, I feel like college is the best thing for me,” Cameron said. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You can get your degree when you’re older, but being in college is something you can only experience once.”

“(Pro paths) give kids more options. If they want to go to the G League, they can now. If someone wants to go to Overtime Elite or overseas, they can do that. But I’m going to college,” Cayden added. “I’m not really worried about the other options. College has the best atmosphere and the best experience for me, personally. My degree (is important), especially for my mom. I want to get my degree and that’s the main thing.”

No rush to decide on a school

The Boozer Twins are in no rush to make a decision, waiting until next year before ramping things up with their respective recruitments.

“I’m taking it slow, waiting until the start of my senior year to focus on that,” Cameron said, adding that he’ll be prioritizing “education and a competitive basketball environment where I can win a national championship” when it does come time to choose a school.

“I haven’t really thought yet about making a decision so I’m not really sure. And I haven’t thought about visits yet, I’m not really focused on that right now,” Cayden added. “Probably (will take some after grassroots season) but I still have to talk to schools and figure out my schedule with school and everything like that.”

Improving and winning Peach Jam

For now, their focus is on improving their games and further establishing themselves as two of the best at their respective positions in 2025. They did a fine job of that at Peach Jam, winning the 16U title down in North Augusta earlier this month.

“(I looked to) showcase my outside skillset, how I’ve developed my shooting and feel for the game,” Cameron told KSR. “Knowing when to pick and choose my spots, being a competitor and winning games.”

“I’ve been improving every step of the way,” Cayden added. “I’m trying to show that every time you see me on the court, I’m working on something and becoming a better player. Just becoming a better floor general and improving as a three-point shooter, that’s where I’ve improved the most. But I’m still working on being a better vocal leader.”

Two blue-chip prospects with serious interest from Coach Cal and the Wildcats. Can Kentucky pull off the upset for Cam and Cayden Boozer?