[6][7][8] On May 19, 2016, Bolden committed to Duke, joining fellow five-star recruits Harry Giles III, Jayson Tatum and Frank Jackson.

[9][10][11] Bolden had to sit out the first eight games of the 2016–17 season due to a leg injury,[12] before making his debut against Maine on December 3, 2016, scoring seven points and five rebounds.

[15] As a sophomore, Bolden averaged 3.9 points and 3.6 rebounds per game, playing behind Wendell Carter Jr. and Marvin Bagley III.

[29] He was waived prior to the start of the season and added to the roster of their G League affiliate, the Salt Lake City Stars.

[41] He recorded his first career high at the last 2023–24 NBA season game winning against Cavaliers with 14 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 blocks and 1 steal over 30 minutes.

[43] Playing at the 2016 Nike Hoop Summit, Bolden scored three points and pulled down two rebounds in 13 minutes of action for Team USA.

[44] He attended a training camp of the 2017 USA Basketball Men's U19 World Cup Team but was cut before the start of the tournament.