Former Duke Blue Devils star Cameron Boozer was one of the top prospects in this year’s NBA draft. While experts projected him as a top-three pick, not many had him going No. 1. The top two selections were widely expected to be AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson.
On the “NBA Draft Show” Tuesday, Boozer discussed his draft projection. He hailed Dybantsa and Peterson’s abilities, but called out those questioning his chances of going No. 1.
“I mean, of course I feel that way (that I should go No. 1 overall in the draft),” Dybantsa said. “I’m not gonna say I don’t understand why people say that. Those guys are amazing players. Everyone knows that.
“But, I mean, for me, not being in that conversation, I don’t really understand it. And I think, you know, many years down the line, people are gonna look back and say that I should’ve been.”
In the end, Boozer went third overall to the Memphis Grizzlies. The Washington Wizards selected AJ Dybantsa with the first pick. The Utah Jazz, who had the No. 2 pick, drafted former Kansas Jayhawks guard Darryn Peterson.
Coming out of high school, Cameron Boozer was a consensus five-star prospect. He signed with the Duke Blue Devils alongside his brother, Cayden Boozer. He played in 38 games for the program and averaged 22.5 points, 10.2 rebounds and 4.1 assists in his only season.
Boozer helped Duke qualify for March Madness. They made it to the Elite Eight, where they were eliminated by UConn. He earned several accolades, including ACC Player of the Year, National College Player of the Year, the Karl Malone Award and the Lute Olson Award, to name a few.
Cameron Boozer opens up about being drafted by the Grizzlies
Cameron Boozer shared his thoughts about being selected by the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday.
During a conference call with Memphis media, he expressed excitement about the start of his NBA journey. The ex-Duke star believes that he is a good fit for a young team like the Grizzlies.
“I think we’ve got a lot to build off of,” Boozer said. “We’re going to surprise a lot of people this year. It’s going to be a lot of fun, for sure.
“I feel like I fit the timeline great. A lot of great young players. I think it’s going to grow organically. Memphis has three picks right now. So, it’s going to be exciting for sure. I think it starts with the summer league. The young guys getting together, starting to Gel. I think the future’s bright.”
Last season, under coach Tuomas Iisalo, the Grizzlies missed the playoffs with a 25-57 record.
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