The 2026 NBA Draft concluded with a marquee selection that had basketball fans across the country buzzing.
Cameron Boozer, who completed a one‑and‑done season at Duke University, heard his name called third overall by the Memphis Grizzlies, a pick that underscores the team’s intent to bolster its frontcourt.
Boozer’s college résumé reads like a highlight reel: he averaged 22.5 points, 10.2 rebounds and 4.1 assists, earning National Player of the Year honors for the 2025‑26 season.
The son of former NBA star Carlos Boozer, the 6‑8 forward brings a blend of size, skill and basketball IQ that traces back to a family steeped in the game.
His high school career was decorated with four state championships, three Nike EYBL Peach Jam titles and two gold medals with USA Basketball, setting the stage for his rapid rise.
Beyond the numbers, Boozer is noted for his efficiency — shooting above 50% from the field and reaching the free‑throw line an average of 7.4 times per game, where he made 221 of 221 attempts last season.
He also distinguished himself as a playmaker, often finding open teammates amid double‑ and triple‑teams, a trait that attracted praise from Duke coach Jon Scheyer, under whom he became the seventh first‑round pick.
A Legacy in the Making
The selection adds another chapter to Duke’s storied draft legacy; the Blue Devils now boast 117 all‑time NBA Draft picks, with Boozer joining a select group that includes legends like Larry Bird.
For the Grizzlies, the pick represents a strategic infusion of talent that could accelerate their push back into championship contention, especially as they look to complement existing stars with a versatile, high‑motor player.