Cameron Boozer and the Duke Blue Devils secured the No. 1 overall seed in the 2026 NCAA Tournament after finishing the 2025-26 season with a 32-2 overall record and 17-1 in ACC play, winning the ACC Tournament in the process. But to open the NCAA Tournament, Duke survived an upset, taking down the No. 16 Siena Saints 71-65.
Despite the near upset, Boozer still had an impressive tournament debut. The freshman forward out of Miami finished with 22 points on 4-of-11 shooting, 13 rebounds and three assists, but also turned the ball over five times. His twin brother, Cayden, who replaced Caleb Foster in Duke's starting lineup, added 19 points and five assists.
Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
While Boozer impressed on offense against Siena, the freshman struggled on the defensive end. With Blue Devils starting center Patrick Ngongba II out for the first-round matchup due to a right foot injury, Boozer took on more responsibilities in the paint. However, Siena forward Francis Folefac was able to take advantage, finishing with 18 points and seven rebounds against Boozer and Duke.
Throughout the first-round matchup between Duke and Siena, many college basketball fans took notice of Boozer’s defense, or lack thereof. Some even went as far as claiming the star freshman was not playing defense at all, leaving their thoughts on social media.
"Boozer with zero interest in playing defense," one fan said.
"There playing 0 defense anywhere boozer a cone we need pat most important player," added another.
"Boozer gotta get in someone’s chest and play some (expletive) defense like a man. Whole team playing like they’re scared to foul smh," wrote a third.
"Does that boozer guy know he’s allowed to play defense?" asked a fourth.
"Evans and Cam Boozer not playing any defense lol," posted a fifth.
"Boozer not playing any defense down low. Playing scared to death bc we can’t hit shots. Best lock in or it’s over. No excuses," added a sixth.
Boozer and Duke will now advance to the second round of the NCAA Tournament, where they will face the No. 9 seed TCU Horned Frogs on Saturday for a spot in the Sweet 16.
