Everyone expects Cameron Boozer 's name to be called in the Top 4 of the 2026 NBA Draft. The Duke power forward was one of the most productive guys in college basketball, making him only one of five freshmen in NCAA history to be named College Player of the Year.
That said, Boozer isn't particularly interested in talking about his numbers. In his mind, he's a top prospect, not because of his elite averages, but because of things that can't be measured.
Most mock drafts put Boozer in the top three in the same tier as A.J. Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson . While concerns about his vertical explosiveness are valid, it's hard to argue against this production: 22.5 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists on 56/39/79 shooting splits.
But more than that, Boozer simply plays winning basketball wherever he goes. He was the only one among the three premier prospects who went as deep as the Elite Eight in the tournament. He could have easily gone to the Final Four if not for the blunder of his twin, Cayden, whose turnover led to a buzzer-beating 3-pointer from UConn's Braylon Mullins to send Duke home.
But for Boozer, the tournament run, the accolades and the numbers are almost beside the point. When asked what truly sets him apart from Dybantsa, Peterson and the rest, he went somewhere the numbers couldn't follow.
"My mind, for sure," Boozer said in the Draft Combine press conference. "I just think my feel for the game, my competitiveness, my will to win, those are the biggest things that can translate (to the pros) for sure."
Boozer believes he will be a culture-setter for any NBA team lucky enough to pick him come June. He has a track record of winning at any level and working hard to get there, so that's something that could be very positive in the locker room.
"I think that's something that affects people. Once one person starts doing it, especially if it's the best player doing it, that's something for sure," he added.
Well, his track record is the only proof needed. He led Columbus High to four consecutive Florida state titles, won three Nike EYBL championships and earned a couple of gold medals with Team USA. Nobody collects that much hardware without putting in the needed elbow grease.
As questions about his athleticism came under the microscope, Boozer answered them quite emphatically in the Combine. He finished faster than Cooper Flagg last year and Caleb Wilson — considered the more athletic prospect — in the pro lane sprint and shutter drill.
He measured 6'8"¼" with a wingspan of 7'1". He shot 19-for-25 in the spot-up drill and 18-for-30 in the dribble workout, according to Krysten Peek of NBA.com.
With how the ping-pong balls bounced, Boozer will likely land in Memphis (third) or Chicago (fourth). Either way, He should make an immediate impact after the Grizzlies traded Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz . The Bulls, meanwhile, have a need at every position.
Memphis, though, feels like a more natural destination. The franchise is looking for a new face after trading Jackson Jr. and possibly Ja Morant in the offseason. More than anything right now, they need somebody who understands how to set the tone, and Boozer can simply slide right in.
Unless, of course, the Washington Wizards or the Jazz decide to pick him with the No.1 or No.2 picks. After all, Boozer proved he's worthy of that.
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on May 17, 2026, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
