The Boozer twins, Cameron and Cayden, have their eyes firmly set on the prize — this week it's the national high school championship trophy at the Chipotle Nationals, but they're also preparing for a future gracing the courts at Duke University. Cameron stated their immediate goal succinctly, "Got to win nationals," in an interview with WSVN.
Duke's future seems bright with the duo onboard, as they head into college basketball with impressive stats and accomplishments. Cameron, a 6-foot-10 power forward, is averaging 22.6 points, 12 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.9 steals, and 1.4 blocks through 30 games this season, leading Christopher Columbus High to a 27-3 record and a fourth consecutive Florida state title. His brother Cayden, stands at 6-foot-4 plays as a point guard. Not just everyone's notion of future stars because they're ex-NBA forward Carlos Boozer's sons, they've put in the work, according to AP News, "They earned the trip to where they're at."
The national spotlight is nothing new for the Boozer twins, who have managed the pressure with apparent ease throughout their high school careers. "The thing about expectation is other people’s expectations don’t really matter," Cameron told AP News, clarifying their approach to the game amid the hype surrounding their progression to Duke, a school their father once graced and now favored to win the NCAA title.
While the brothers had their pick of Division I schools, Duke wasn't always a shoo-in. They underwent their own individual recruiting journeys even though, as Cayden shared in an interview with WSVN, "We never really discussed even if we wanted to (go to school together) until basically the end." Despite the individualistic approach, the endgame was a united front for the two brothers at Duke.
As the high school tournament heats up, the competition boasts notable programs, including Montverde Academy and IMG Academy. Star-studded lineups feature Kiyan Anthony, son of Carmelo Anthony, and Dante and Kayden, coached by Heat assistant coach and father Malik Allen. The Boozers too, draw significant attention as they navigate this pivotal week. While their next steps at Duke loom close, this tournament is a testament to their commitment and a forecast of their potential in the high-pressure world of college basketball.
