Duke Blue Devils freshman forward Cameron Boozer and the top-seeded Blue Devils were tested by the No. 16-seeded Siena Saints in an East Region first-round game Thursday. Boozer contributed 22 points as Duke rallied to defeat Siena 71-65.
But Boozer’s performance has raised concerns among NBA draft analysts.
Why Cameron Boozer’s Performance Against Siena Left NBA Draft Analysts Baffled
Against Siena, Boozer was 4-for-11 from the floor and 1-for-5 from 3-point range. Thirteen of his 22 points came from the free-throw line. Several NBA draft analysts were not impressed.
Nathan Grubel, who covers the NBA, G League, and NBA draft for No Ceilings NBA, posted his thoughts on Boozer’s performance on X.
“This is the first game I’ve seen this year in college basketball that’s made me legitimately consider moving off Cameron Boozer at the top of my board,” Grubel wrote. “I won’t overreact to one game, but he’s looked legitimately overwhelmed today on both ends of the floor. Definitely provokes Q’s.”
This is the first game I’ve seen this year in college basketball that’s made me legitimately consider moving off Cameron Boozer at the top of my board. I won’t overreact to one game, but he’s looked legitimately overwhelmed today on both ends of the floor. Definitely provokes Q’s
— Nathan Grubel (@DraftDeeper) March 19, 2026
Grubel added, “We’ve seen Boozer have inefficient nights, or turnovers, or bad defense. But in this game, the pressure by Siena has REALLY gotten to him and it’s affected his pace/decision making all over. And that’s the difference.”
Kevin O’Connor, Yahoo Sports podcaster, writer, and host of “The Kevin O’Connor Show,” echoed Grubel’s concerns. O’Connor noted Boozer’s “lack of vertical explosiveness” as a key issue for NBA scouts.
“Cam Boozer’s lack of vertical explosiveness is definitely the #1 thing NBA scouts question,” O’Connor wrote. “Showed up a lot today against Siena. Also wish he was a better pull-up shooter off multiple dribbles.”
Cam Boozer’s lack of vertical explosiveness is definitely the #1 thing NBA scouts question. Showed up a lot today against Siena. Also wish he was a better pull up shooter off multiple dribbles… https://t.co/8Xcxxn0X7g
— Kevin O’Connor (@KevinOConnor) March 19, 2026
Tony Jones, who covers the Philadelphia 76ers and the NBA for The Athletic, also weighed in: “Cam Boozer is so skilled at so many things but his lack of vertical explosion is glaring. It’s a real issue.”
Cam Boozer is so skilled at so many things but his lack of vertical explosion is glaring. It’s a real issue
— Tony Jones (@Tjonesonthenba) March 19, 2026
Josh Eberley, who writes for HOOP, NBA Canada, and The Sporting News, expressed concern about Boozer’s decision-making: “I don’t know, man. Some of these possessions would scare me away from Boozer.”
I don’t know, man. Some of these possessions would scare me away from Boozer
— Josh Eberley 🇨🇦 (@JoshEberley) March 19, 2026
Whatever shortcomings Boozer displayed against Siena, he and Duke head coach Jon Scheyer will likely make adjustments. The Blue Devils next face the No. 9-seeded TCU Horned Frogs on Sunday. Tipoff at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, S.C., has yet to be determined as of Friday morning.
