logo
#

Latest news with #CameronBoozer

2026 NBA Draft: 4 players who could go No. 1 overall
2026 NBA Draft: 4 players who could go No. 1 overall

Yahoo

timea day ago

  • Sport
  • Yahoo

2026 NBA Draft: 4 players who could go No. 1 overall

The 2025 NBA Draft certainly had a distinct Duke flavor and enough trades to make your head spin. There were winners and losers on Day 1, a team that had a whole mess of first-round picks, some reasons to be excited and to be wary in the first round, Day 2 winners and losers, and a certain prospect who may not be entirely thrilled with his landing place. Advertisement We graded the picks and we graded the teams, so now it's time to cast an eye forward. It's a fool's errand to try mock the 2026 NBA Draft when 2025 mocks from two days ago were left in tatters. But what we can project more accurately is who could be at the top of the draft board. So here are four players who have fans, teams and executives excited for next year's draft and who could be in play at No. 1 overall: Cameron Boozer drives to the basket against A.J. Dybantsa during the McDonald's Boys High School All America Game on April 1, 2025, at the Barclays Center in New York. (Photo by Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) (Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) SF A.J. Dybantsa, BYU Ht: 6-9 | Wt.: 200 | Age: 18 Dybantsa is a smooth, athletic scorer who covers ground with ease. The top college basketball recruit in the class of 2025 surprised many by committing to BYU, but he is confident in the program's ability to develop him into an NBA star. Dybantsa said he sees himself as a combination of Tracy McGrady and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. PF Cameron Boozer, Duke Ht: 6-9 | Wt.: 230 | Age: 17 Advertisement Boozer is the son of former NBA All-Star and Duke great Carlos Boozer. He is a double-double machine who also excels on the defensive end. He communicates on the court and has the pedigree to understand the nuances of the game far beyond his age. G Darryn Peterson, Kansas Ht: 6-5 | Wt.: 195 | Age: 18 Peterson is a big, versatile guard. He's an effortless scorer and the kind of switchable combo guard who should flourish in today's game. His shooting mechanics are excellent, but he does need to find some consistency with his stroke. Still, he's a strong do-it-all guard who can get to his spots, finish and pass, and he projects to be an excellent on-ball defender. SF Nate Ament, Tennessee Ht: 6-9 | Wt.: 190 | Age: 18 Ament is a lean, fluid athlete bursting with potential who is fairly raw and has a lot of edges to smooth. But his ceiling is immense. He currently lacks strength but has the floor vision and playmaking chops of a guard with a smooth shooting touch. The other three prospects might be better now, but Ament has the long-term upside that teams will consider.

Dybantsa, Peterson, Boozer headline list of top lottery candidates for 2026 NBA draft
Dybantsa, Peterson, Boozer headline list of top lottery candidates for 2026 NBA draft

Associated Press

time2 days ago

  • Sport
  • Associated Press

Dybantsa, Peterson, Boozer headline list of top lottery candidates for 2026 NBA draft

The NBA has had Victor Wembanyama and Cooper Flagg as obvious No. 1 overall draft picks in recent years. AJ Dybantsa has been headed toward that status for 2026. The BYU signee has been a favorite to sit atop draft boards next summer and ranks as the nation's top recruit by ESPN, On3 and Rivals. Kansas signee Darryn Peterson tops the list for 247Sports to make it a more open race for No. 1. Here's an early look next summer's potential lottery prospects: 1. A.J. Dybantsa, BYUThe 6-foot-9 forward chose the Cougars over Kansas, North Carolina and Alabama. Athleticism and versatility shine through his rangy scoring skillset, notably when he attacks off the dribble and finishes at the rim. The Massachusetts native spent last year with Utah Prep and is on this summer's USA Basketball Under-19 National Team for the FIBA World Cup. 2. Darryn Peterson, Kansas The 6-5 guard from Ohio offers perimeter size with ability to play on or off the ball. He can attack off the dribble or step outside, offering potential to overwhelm smaller guards and impact games defensively. Peterson played last season with Prolific Prep in California and was co-MVP of the McDonald's All-American game. 3. Cameron Boozer, Duke The 6-9 forward joined twin Cayden in winning a high school national title and fourth straight Florida state title. The son of former Duke and NBA forward Carlos Boozer showed his inside-out game (22 points, 16 rebounds, six assists) leading the U.S. past the World team in the Nike Hoop Summit. He joined Peterson as the McDonald's game co-MVP. 4. Nate Ament, Tennessee The 6-9 forward is a McDonald's All-American and Gatorade player of the year for Virginia with versatile skills. He'll improve as he adds strength to his lean frame, though he stands out with ballhandling and shooting range. 5. Caleb Wilson, North Carolina The 6-9 forward from Atlanta and McDonald's All-American offers two-way potential with his athleticism and length, including as a shot blocker. The McDonald's All-American announced his UNC commitment on TNT's 'Inside The NBA' show alongside former NBA players Shaquille O'Neal, Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith. 6. Chris Cenac Jr., Houston ESPN and 247Sports rank Cenac as the nation's top center, offering rangy skills and outside shooting that made him the MVP of the NBPA Top 100 camp in summer 2024. Houston coach Kelvin Sampson has said the McDonald's All-American is 'not a big man's big man... he is a basketball player who happens to be 6-foot-10.' 7. Karim Lopez, New Zealand Breakers (Australia) The versatile 6-8 wing from Mexico is part of the National Basketball League's 'Next Stars' program designed to develop high-end prospects, averaging 9.6 points and 4.7 assists in his 2024-25 debut season. He turns 18 in December. 8. Jayden Quaintance, Kentucky The 6-9 forward was a top-10 recruit last year entering Arizona State, where he averaged 9.4 points, 7.9 rebounds and 2.6 blocks. He later transferred to join the Wildcats. 9. Mikel Brown Jr., Louisville The 6-3 McDonald's All-American is big signee for Pat Kelsey entering Year 2 of his tenure with the Cardinals, ranking as the No. 1 point guard prospect for Rivals. He joined Dybantsa in making the U.S. U-19 team. 10. Darius Acuff Jr., Arkansas The 6-2 Acuff is the top point guard prospect for 247Sports (No. 5 overall) and ESPN (No. 7). The McDonald's All-American operates smoothly in the pick-and-roll with the ability to attack defenders off the dribble and from 3-point range. 11. Tounde Yessoufou, Baylor ESPN's ninth-ranked recruit offers a sturdy frame (roughly 6-5 and 210 pounds) and versatile athleticism while being known for a high-motor style. He had 24 points for the World team against the U.S. in the Nike Hoop Summit in April. 12. Dash Daniels, Melbourne United (Australia) Like Lopez, the younger brother of Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels is will play for the NBL's 'Next Stars' program. Dash is a 6-6 point guard who has been through NBA Academy Australia. 13. Isaiah Evans, Duke The 6-6 guard withdrew from this year's draft and must add strength to a 175-pound frame. But there's clear upside with his explosive scoring potential, such as hitting six first-half 3s out of nowhere against Auburn in December. 14. Labaron Philon, Alabama The 6-4 freshman point guard was a last-minute draft withdrawal. He averaged 10.6 points and 3.8 assists for an Elite Eight team that just lost Associated Press first-team All-American Mark Sears from the to watch (in alphabetical order): —ALIJAH ARENAS: The son of former NBA guard Gilbert Arenas is a McDonald's All-American known for scoring and court vision, but the 6-6 guard's status is unclear as he's still working back from an April truck accident that had him placed in a medically induced coma. Arenas avoided major injury and said this week he works out daily, with the plan of soon joining USC summer workouts. — MILES BYRD: The 6-7 guard from San Diego State withdrew from the draft after averaging 12.3 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.7 assists as a redshirt sophomore. — IAN JACKSON: The 6-4 guard averaged 11.9 points while shooting 39.5% from 3-point range at North Carolina as a five-star freshman before transferring to St. John's. — YAXEL LENDEBORG: The 6-9, 240-pound forward has gone from junior college to UAB and now Michigan. He withdrew from the draft after averaging 15.8 points and 11.0 rebounds in two seasons with the Blazers. — TAHAAD PETTIFORD: The 6-1 freshman averaged 11.6 points and shot 36.6% on 3s for Auburn's Final Four team. He's set for a leading role after withdrawing from the draft. — MELEEK THOMAS: The 6-4 guard averaged 33.5 points per 40 minutes with Overtime Elite. He's a McDonald's All-American who signed with Arkansas. ___ AP NBA:

Cayden, Cameron Boozer Join Exclusive Duke Club Before Freshman Season
Cayden, Cameron Boozer Join Exclusive Duke Club Before Freshman Season

Yahoo

time17-06-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Yahoo

Cayden, Cameron Boozer Join Exclusive Duke Club Before Freshman Season

Cayden, Cameron Boozer Join Exclusive Duke Club Before Freshman Season originally appeared on Athlon Sports. It's been 23 years since Carlos Boozer was a household name for Duke basketball. His college career ended in 2002 before he was selected 35th overall by Cleveland in the 2002 NBA Draft. Advertisement Now his sons, Cameron and Cayden Boozer, are ready to carry on the family legacy at Duke under head coach Jon Scheyer. After a 35-4 season and a trip to the Final Four, the Blue Devils are looking to build on that success. Duke has big shoes to fill after losing top prospects like Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel. But if anyone can reload quickly, it's Scheyer and his staff. As the summer heats up and the 2025-26 season draws closer, all eyes are on the Boozer twins. Duke Basketball on Thursday showcased them, featuring them on the cover of 'SLAM' magazine, captioning the post: "The Brotherhood been doing SLAM covers since flip phones 📞📘👀😈." The twins now share 'SLAM' cover status with Duke legends like Cooper Flagg, Paolo Banchero, Jayson Tatum, R.J. Barrett, Zion Williamson, Marvin Bagley III, Jabari Parker and Kyrie Irving. The magazine also featured icons like coach Mike Krzyzewski, Johnny Dawkins, Jon Scheyer, Jay Williams, Shane Battier, Bobby Hurley, Carlos Boozer, Grant Hill and JJ Redick in a Duke tribute montage. Advertisement Every one of those players made a major mark at Duke, and in the NBA, and Cameron and Cayden now step into that brotherhood with hopes of doing the same. McDonald's All Americans forward Cameron Boozer and guard Cayden BoozerPamela Smith-Imagn Images Cameron Boozer was one of the top high school players in the country. A five-star recruit, he was named Gatorade National Player of the Year in both 2023 and 2025. As a sophomore, Cameron averaged 21.1 points and 11.2 rebounds per game and earned Florida's Mr. Basketball honors. During the 2023 FIBA U16 Americas Championship, he averaged 16.8 points and 9.8 rebounds per game, helping Team USA demolish Team Canada by 82 points in the gold medal game. Advertisement Cayden Boozer was also a five-star recruit, with offers from Miami and Florida, but chose to join his twin at Duke. While not as dominant a scorer, he's a true facilitator. Cayden dished out 7.6 assists per game in high school and played in the McDonald's All-American Game. He also suited up for Team USA in the FIBA U16 tournament, contributing 7 points per game while playing a key role as the team's lead guard. Known for blending basketball with hip-hop culture, 'SLAM' magazine has been publishing since 1994. Larry Johnson of the Charlotte Hornets was featured on the first cover. Since then, LeBron James has appeared on more 'SLAM' covers than any other athlete, with 27. Landing the cover is a rite of passage for elite prospects, and it's a strong signal that the Boozer brothers are not just future college stars, but potential NBA names to remember. Advertisement Related: John Calipari Makes Feelings Clear on Knicks Head Coach Vacancy Related: Duke Basketball Reveals Big News on Defending National Champions This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 12, 2025, where it first appeared.

Duke Announces Exciting News on Cameron Boozer's Dad
Duke Announces Exciting News on Cameron Boozer's Dad

Yahoo

time05-06-2025

  • Sport
  • Yahoo

Duke Announces Exciting News on Cameron Boozer's Dad

Duke Announces Exciting News on Cameron Boozer's Dad originally appeared on Athlon Sports. In a show of Blue Devil pride, Duke University has taken to X to congratulate former Duke legends Carlos Boozer and Kenny Dennard on their victory at the 2025 K Academy Golf Championship on Saturday. Advertisement According to the official K Academy 2025 Golf Championship Cup Results, Boozer and Dennard teamed up to claim the title, with their Team PINEHURST beating out Team AUGUSTA 24-30. Team AUGUSTA was headlined by former Blue Devils Mike Gminski, Lee Melchionni and Gerald Henderson. Dennard starred at Duke from 1977 to 1981 and was a key contributor on the Blue Devils' 1978 squad that reached the NCAA championship game, losing to Kentucky. A McDonald's All-American in 1999, Boozer attended Duke University from 1999 to 2002, being named an ACC All-Freshman (2000), first-team All-ACC (2002), third-team All-American (2002) and an NCAA champion (2001). Advertisement He and his ex-wife, CeCe, have three children: Carmani and twins Cameron and Cayden, the latter two of whom have already committed to Duke in the class of 2025. Cameron Boozer was a two-time Florida Mr. Basketball and two-time Gatorade National Player of the Year (2023, 2025), averaging 21.1 points, 11.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists and two blocks per game in his sophomore year. He led his team to three consecutive state titles from 2022-2024 and earned MVP honors at the FIBA U-17 World Cup (2024) and Under-16 Americas Championship (2023). Duke Blue Devils recruit Cameron Boozer© Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports A consensus five-star recruit and the No. 3 overall prospect in the Class of 2025, Cameron committed to Duke on October 11, 2024, joining his twin brother Cayden (No. 23 overall) in forming one of the nation's most celebrated recruiting duos. Advertisement His recruitment validated Duke's top-ranked 2025 class, which is expected to bring immediate impact under Coach Jon Scheyer. Related: 6-foot-11 College Basketball Recruit Makes Final Decision Related: Duke's Jon Scheyer Gets Major Recruiting News on Four-Star Recruit This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on May 31, 2025, where it first appeared.

Top College Basketball Recruit Sends Strong Message After Visit With Duke
Top College Basketball Recruit Sends Strong Message After Visit With Duke

Yahoo

time03-06-2025

  • Business
  • Yahoo

Top College Basketball Recruit Sends Strong Message After Visit With Duke

Top College Basketball Recruit Sends Strong Message After Visit With Duke originally appeared on Athlon Sports. After failing to win the men's NCAA championship this past season, as many had expected them to, the Duke Blue Devils will look considerably different when they start the 2025-26 season. Advertisement They're losing star forward Cooper Flagg, big man Khaman Maluach and sharpshooter Kon Knueppel, among others, to the NBA draft. But, they received commitment from highly sought-after foreign prospect Dame Sarr, a guard from Italy, while Cameron Boozer, a top recruit in the class of 2025, has signed with them. Duke is looking to add more. Christian Collins is one of the top high school recruits in the class of 2026. He reportedly got an in-home visit from Duke, and he had some nice things to say about the program and its coaching staff. "Duke was great," Collins said. "They met my mom and auntie and we all talked… Jon Scheyer is a great coach… if he wants you — I was talking to Man Man… he said to me 'If he want you, he's going to get you.'… Coach Scheyer, he's a great coach… Same thing with Coach Carrawell… So it's good." Collins is a 6-foot-8, 200-pound forward from the greater Los Angeles area. According to 247 Sports, he's a five-star recruit and has gotten offers from some other prominent basketball schools, including Arizona, Arizona State, Alabama, Kentucky, Villanova, UCLA and UC Berkeley. Advertisement He would be a big get for a Duke program that is looking for its first national championship since 2015. Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer reaches for the fans during Countdown to Craziness at Cameron Indoor Nash-Imagn Images With Flagg, who is almost certainly going to be the No. 1 pick in this year's NBA draft and a future star, leading the way, Duke looked like a powerhouse this past season. But after relatively easy wins in the first four rounds of the tournament, it blew a double-digit lead in the second half of its Final Four contest and lost to Houston. Still, there is no doubt that Scheyer is building an attractive program three years after the legendary Mike Krzyzewski retired. Related: Cameron Boozer Sends Message on Big Duke Announcement This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 3, 2025, where it first appeared.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store