Duke’s Cameron Boozer NBA decision reaches unexpected point for Blue Devils
Everyone assumes they know what comes next for Cameron Boozer.
The Duke Blue Devils freshman phenom has been bound for the NBA as a one-and-done from the moment he committed to this program while still a high school superstar.
Now, though, the time has come sooner than anyone planned on.
Duke wasn’t supposed to lose in the Elite Eight. The Blue Devils were the No. 1 overall seed. They were supposed to win the national title, or at least get to the Final Four.
But they lost a round earlier this year than Cooper Flagg’s Duke team lost a year ago. Flagg left and was the No. 1 pick. Boozer will likely be a top-three pick.
MORE: A depressing Flagg, Boozer overlap at Duke
And the timing of the season-ending loss, in reality, almost certainly doesn’t change anything.
Somehow, it feels weird, though. No one wanted to think about Boozer’s time at Duke coming to an end yet. He was supposed to still be playing next weekend.
There’s also a slight added complication here — Cameron’s twin, Cayden.
Cayden Boozer isn’t ready to leave for the NBA yet. He had the turnover that essentially cost Duke the regional final to UConn on Sunday night.
Almost certainly, Cayden will remain in college. Could that, even slightly, impact Cameron’s decision?
Boozer can’t let that happen. He has to pursue his bright future at the next level.
But it is weirder. It might make the timeline on an announcement slightly different. They may both discuss this with their NBA father, Carlos.
In the end, Cameron will be a strong player in the league. He was just supposed to have a bit more college basketball to play first.
Cayden Boozer’s Move After Duke’s Loss Shows Grace
Buzzer-beaters always bring a series of emotions during March Madness. For some, they bring joy, while for others, they result in heartbreak. Duke’s Cayden Boozer experienced that same pain, not only because of how the Elite Eight game ended, but also because of what it might mean for his time sharing the court with his brother Cameron Boozer.
Despite Duke’s impressive performance at Capital One Arena, the Blue Devils lost after UConn guard Braylon Mullins’ deep three-pointer gave the Huskies the lead in the final second of the game. While Mullins was hailed as the hero, Cayden took the blame on Duke’s behalf, as he was the one who lost possession.
Speaking to the media after his NCAA Tournament exit, the Boozer twin expressed deep sorrow. He admitted feeling as though he had let down his brother Cameron, who could potentially declare for the NBA Draft, meaning the two may never share the court again for the same team.
While Boozer’s final play may face scrutiny, he was praised for holding himself accountable by speaking to the media. Veteran NCAA reporter Seth Davis wrote, “I’ve seen many pro athletes and coaches in similar situations decline to take questions from the media, and frankly I don’t blame them. Cayden Boozer is a college freshman and handled this with incredible grace and professionalism.”
Davis also credited the parenting of Carlos Boozer and CeCe Boozer.
“Much respect to him and his family. He was raised well,” he added.
For Cayden, the loss will likely linger. However, the freshman displayed maturity in a moment marked by disappointment, earning respect that went well beyond the final score.
For some, Cayden will be remembered for his miscalculated play in the NCAA Tournament. Others, however, will remember him for the character he displayed while facing the media without hesitation.
