The 2025 NBA Draft concluded just days ago, but basketball insiders have already shifted focus to next year’s talent pool. Cameron Boozer, son of two-time NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer, has emerged as a controversial top prospect for 2026, sparking heated debate among fans and analysts.
The Duke-bound forward’s impressive resume includes four state championships and two Gatorade National Player of the Year awards, yet questions remain about his draft position.
Fans React to Cam Boozer’s Projection as a Top Draft Pick
College Basketball Report posted a super-early prediction for the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft on its X account Thursday. The mock draft immediately generated passionate responses from basketball fans across social media.
Experts’ way too early 2026 NBA Mock Draft pic.twitter.com/01i57i8JKX
— College Basketball Report (@CBKReport) June 27, 2025
The prediction places BYU-bound AJ Dybantsa as a potential No. 1 overall pick, alongside Boozer and Kansas-bound Darryn Peterson competing for the top spots. The Duke freshman’s high projection sparked immediate controversy among NBA Draft watchers:
Cam boozer is severely overrated
— Ken Davis (@KenDavi66334773) June 27, 2025
Some fans believe Kansas Jayhawks guard Darryn Peterson will be drafted higher than Boozer.
Peterson will be 1 or 2
— ethan. (@ethanlemasterrr) June 27, 2025
Others are surprised to not see Cam’s twin brother, Cayden, in this prediction.
Is the other Boozer brother not that good ?
— Kev (@balllover224) June 28, 2025
The truth is that most fans who reacted to this prediction had a common denominator: distrust of Cam Boozer’s chances as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
No “expert” has boozer going 2😭🤣
— codyy (@CodyMolineux) June 28, 2025
Championship Pedigree and International Success
Despite the social media skepticism, Boozer will arrive at Duke as one of the nation’s most accomplished high school players. The 6’9″ forward led Christopher Columbus High School in Miami to four consecutive state championships, a feat that earned him two Gatorade National Player of the Year Awards in 2023 and 2025.
Only three other players in history have won the prestigious award twice: LeBron James, Greg Oden, and Brandon Knight.
His dominance extends beyond Florida’s borders. Boozer captured MVP honors at both the FIBA Americas U16 Championship and the FIBA U17 World Cup, where he guided Team USA to gold medals.
During the U17 tournament, he averaged 20.1 points and 9.9 rebounds while shooting nearly 70% from the field, showcasing the efficiency that has scouts intrigued.
KEEP READING: 2026 NBA Draft Predictions: Top College Basketball Players to Watch Out For, Including AJ Dybantsa
The NBA Draft Room scouting report emphasizes his versatility and basketball IQ.
“Cameron Boozer is an elite recruit who is one of the top guys in the 2025 recruiting class, if not the top pro prospect in all of high school basketball,” the scouting report says.
“The son of former NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer, Cameron has a similar skill-set to his old man with a nice ability to score the ball in a variety of ways. He’s developing a nice 3pt shot and has some small forward skills and is very comfortable with the ball in his hands in space.
“Has an incredibly advanced game for a player his age, showing a level of polish that you normally find in college or at the pro level. He’s well built already and has plenty of time to grow into his frame and develop his athleticism.”
The debate surrounding Boozer’s draft stock reflects the broader uncertainty about the 2026 class. With elite prospects like Dybantsa, Peterson, and Tennessee-bound Nate Ament all vying for the top spot, draft projections remain fluid.
However, one thing seems certain: Boozer’s combination of proven winning, international experience, and basketball lineage ensures he’ll remain in the conversation for the No. 1 pick throughout his freshman season at Duke.
These early projections serve as conversation starters rather than definitive rankings. With an entire college season ahead, there’s still plenty of basketball left to determine who emerges as the true prize of the 2026 draft class.