Boozer and Wilson Share Uncommon Tie Before UNC-Duke Clash

The two blue-chip freshmen were once AAU teammates before facing off in college basketball's fiercest rivalry.

Feb. 7, 2026 at 6:23pm

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Duke freshman Cameron Boozer and North Carolina freshman Caleb Wilson, both projected NBA lottery picks, will face off for the first time in the storied UNC-Duke rivalry. The two were once teammates on the Nike EYBL AAU circuit, with Wilson joining Boozer's Nightrydas Elite team midway through their final summer season.

Why it matters

This matchup between two elite NBA prospects from the same recruiting class adds an unexpected storyline to the UNC-Duke rivalry, which has not seen such a high-profile head-to-head battle since 1989 when Danny Ferry and J.R. Reid squared off.

The details

Boozer, ranked 3rd in the 247Sports composite, has made an immediate impact for Duke with his physicality, footwork and passing in the post. Wilson, viewed as a top NBA draft prospect, brings energy, athleticism and defensive versatility to North Carolina's lineup. The two played together on the Nightrydas Elite AAU team, with Wilson joining midway through their final summer season.

  • The UNC-Duke matchup is scheduled for Saturday, February 8, 2026.

The players

Cameron Boozer

Duke freshman and projected NBA lottery pick.

Caleb Wilson

North Carolina freshman and projected NBA lottery pick.

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What they’re saying

“The latest chapter of college basketball's fiercest rivalry will carry an unexpected storyline Saturday night when the Duke Blue Devils visits the North Carolina Tar Heels in Chapel Hill.”

— Jeff Hauser, Author

The takeaway

This matchup between two elite NBA prospects from the same recruiting class adds an unexpected and compelling storyline to the storied UNC-Duke rivalry, which has not seen such a high-profile head-to-head battle in nearly four decades.