North Carolina Star Caleb Wilson Excited for Matchup Against Former Teammate Cameron Boozer

The two elite freshmen previously played together on the Nike EYBL circuit before facing off in the heated North Carolina-Duke rivalry.

Feb. 7, 2026 at 1:31pm

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North Carolina basketball star Caleb Wilson is looking forward to facing off against his former teammate Cameron Boozer and Duke on Saturday. The two played together on the Nike EYBL circuit before becoming rivals in the North Carolina-Duke matchup, which carries major ACC and NCAA tournament implications. Wilson expressed excitement about competing against his "old friend" in the highly anticipated showdown.

Why it matters

The North Carolina-Duke rivalry is one of the most intense in college basketball, and this year's matchup features two elite freshmen with a shared history. Wilson and Boozer previously won the prestigious Peach Jam together, adding an extra layer of intrigue to their first college clash. The game also serves as a critical evaluation point for NBA scouts looking at two future lottery picks.

The details

Caleb Wilson has emerged as the driving force behind North Carolina's resurgence this season, averaging a double-double and establishing himself as a projected lottery pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Cameron Boozer has also quickly become one of the sport's most recognizable young stars as a freshman at Duke. The two previously played together for Nightrydas Elite on the Nike EYBL circuit, where they won the Peach Jam in 2024.

  • The North Carolina-Duke rivalry game is scheduled for Saturday, February 7, 2026.
  • Wilson and Boozer won the Peach Jam together in 2024 while playing for Nightrydas Elite on the Nike EYBL circuit.

The players

Caleb Wilson

A freshman forward for the North Carolina Tar Heels who is averaging a double-double this season and is a projected lottery pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

Cameron Boozer

A freshman forward for the Duke Blue Devils who has quickly become one of the sport's most recognizable young stars.

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What they’re saying

“I think it will be a lot of fun … it will be nice to compete with old friends.”

— Caleb Wilson

What’s next

The North Carolina-Duke game on Saturday, February 7, 2026 will be a critical evaluation point for NBA scouts looking at two future lottery picks in Caleb Wilson and Cameron Boozer.

The takeaway

The North Carolina-Duke rivalry has added intrigue this year with the matchup between former AAU teammates Caleb Wilson and Cameron Boozer. Their shared history and the high stakes of the game make this a must-watch showdown between two of college basketball's brightest young stars.