The connection between the Boozer family and Duke University extends far beyond simple loyalty; it’s a family affair. This Thursday, the Blue Devils begin their NCAA tournament journey with four members of the Boozer clan present at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina. Twins Cameron and Cayden Boozer will experience March Madness for the first time in a first-round matchup against Siena. In the stands, their parents, Carlos and CeCe Boozer, will be watching intently, as they have throughout the collegiate season.
For Carlos Boozer, a former Duke standout and two-time NBA All-Star, returning to his alma mater was a natural fit. It was a non-negotiable commitment for the former power forward.
“I told CeCe this might be the last time we see our sons play together,” Boozer confided to Andscape. “Cam is going to gain drafted, and Cayden is likely to return to college. Even when Cayden goes pro, next year or later, who knows what will happen in the NBA, or if they’ll ever have the opportunity to play together again? That’s why I’m not missing any games. We need to see as much as possible.”
Cameron Boozer Favored for National Player of the Year
For Cameron Boozer, this March Madness represents more than just an opportunity to shine in front of his father. The forward is one of the biggest stars in NCAA basketball this season (22.5 points on 56.5% shooting, including 40.9% from three-point range, 10.2 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game) and a credible candidate for the first overall pick in the upcoming NBA Draft.
Increasing his visibility on the national stage, with all eyes on him and his team—the tournament’s No. 1 seed—can only strengthen his draft stock.
“Cam has had one of the best seasons a college player can have,” Carlos Boozer enthused. “He’s 18 years old, not a 20-year-old junior, and he’s only been in college for six months. And yet, he’s averaging nearly 23 points, over 10 rebounds, and he dominated the ACC, a conference that’s been more competitive in recent years. He’s risen to every challenge.”
Beyond a father’s understandable pride, Carlos Boozer doesn’t exaggerate his son’s excellent season. Cameron is the strong favorite to be named Player of the Year, boasting the best individual Offensive Rating in NCAA basketball since 2003, even surpassing Cooper Flagg’s dominant performance last season.
Duke will, though, begin its NCAA tournament run without starting forward Patrick Ngongba II (10.7 points, 6 rebounds, 1.1 blocks), who is still recovering from a foot injury. This places even more pressure on Cameron Boozer, though their first-round matchup against Siena is not expected to be overly challenging. His father is confident his son is up to the task, possessing the qualities of a future great.
“There aren’t many players who, at 18 years old, can compete on the most prestigious stage of college basketball, at Duke no less, while leading their team,” Carlos Boozer asserted. “You know why his teammates follow him? Because he gives so much to the sport, to his team. He’s an unselfish superstar, and that translates to the NBA. Appear at Tim Duncan. I’m not comparing Cameron to Duncan, but Duncan wasn’t as athletic as Kevin Garnett, Tracy McGrady, Kobe Bryant, or Shaquille O’Neal either. Yet, he won five championships in their era through his intelligence, his skill set, and because his team was behind him. Cameron is a modern version of that profile.”
“If You Want to Win, You Take Cameron”
While AJ Dybantsa (BYU) and Darryn Peterson (Kansas) are considered contenders for the first overall pick, Cameron Boozer remains in the mix and is certain to be selected very high in the draft. “If you want to win, you take Cameron,” Carlos Boozer emphatically stated. “The GMs who don’t pick him will regret it in fifteen years.”
Cayden Boozer as well has the opportunity to showcase his talent during this March Madness. The injury to Caleb Foster has opened the door for him to enter the starting lineup at point guard.
His performances during the ACC tournament, which Duke won, including a stat line of 16 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists in the final against Virginia, suggest promising potential for the future. The initial plan was for Cayden to return for a sophomore season at Durham.
“With Caleb’s injury, who knows?” Carlos Boozer pondered. “Cayden handled it incredibly well. He’s been a starter his whole life. He’s won his whole life, like Cameron, and this season, he was asked to be a sixth man. He was excellent in that role. Caleb Foster will clearly be missed, but he taught Cayden a lot about basketball at Duke and how to be a leader. He’s ready for it. The idea was to come back for a sophomore season, but we’ll see what happens in the next six games.”
Currently, Cayden Boozer is not projected to be among the 60 players called during the NBA Draft in late June. However, the NCAA tournament has produced more improbable scenarios after strong March performances.
Duke will face Siena on Thursday, March 21st, at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:10 PM ET (11:10 PM UTC). The game will be broadcast on CBS. The Blue Devils enter the tournament as heavy favorites, but the unpredictable nature of March Madness ensures a compelling contest.
The Boozer family’s presence adds another layer of emotion to Duke’s pursuit of a national championship, a testament to the enduring bonds of family and the shared passion for the game. Whether it’s Cameron’s individual brilliance or Cayden’s emerging leadership, the Boozer brothers are poised to make a significant impact on this year’s tournament.
