Cam Boozer, the Memphis Grizzlies’ No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, arrived at TPC Southwind with a different kind of practice session. Rather than a basketball drill, he was teeing off on a sunny afternoon, a few years after his father, former NBA star Carlos Boozer, first introduced him to the game.
The setting was unexpected, but the lesson was familiar. As a wasp hovered near his ball, Boozer paused, swatted it away and continued his swing without missing a beat. The moment, captured by onlookers, illustrated a composure that the Grizzlies hope will translate to the hardwood.
"Composure is everything," Boozer said, reflecting on the overlap between the two sports. "When you’re on the course, you have to stay calm under pressure, just like when you’re in a close game. The same focus I use to line up a putt helps me stay ready for a fast break."
Boozer’s golf journey began a few years ago, sparked by weekend outings with his father. While Carlos and his older brother now outplay him on the fairways, the younger Boozer sees the sport as a complement to basketball. "My dad taught me patience, strategy and mental resilience," he explained, noting that those qualities are prized by NBA coaches.
Preparing for his NBA debut, Boozer has been training alongside established stars such as Cade Cunningham, Amen Thompson and Davion Mitchell. The exclusive runs give him a chance to test his skills against elite competition and to absorb new techniques that could sharpen his game.
"Playing with guys like Cade and Amen pushes me to raise my level," Boozer said. "It’s a different kind of practice, but it’s exactly what I need before the season starts."
The event also featured a community component, with Boozer interacting with kids and sharing his story. Memphis Grizzlies beat writer Damichael Cole was on hand to document the experience, highlighting how the young forward’s calm demeanor resonates both on and off the court.
As the sun set over TPC Southwind, Boozer walked off the 18th green with a quiet confidence. The day’s lessons—whether dodging a wasp or navigating a high‑stakes draft night—point toward a promising future, one where mental discipline is as crucial as physical talent.