‘I Ought to Be No. 1’

Cameron Boozer believes he belongs on the prime of the 2026 NBA Draft. The Duke star made his case earlier than draft night time, saying the Washington Wizards ought to contemplate him for the No. 1 total decide as a substitute of the opposite prime prospects, AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson.

Cameron Boozer Says He Deserves No. 1 Pick

With the Wizards holding the primary choice, Boozer made it clear that he has confidence in his capability to turn into the very best participant from the category.

Speaking earlier than the draft, Boozer was requested if he felt he must be the primary participant chosen.

“Of course, I feel that way,” Boozer stated.

According to SportingNews, the 18-year-old ahead added that he believes individuals will ultimately look again and see his worth.

“Many years down the line, people are going to look back and say that I should have been,” he stated.

The No. 1 decide race had primarily centered on Dybantsa and Peterson after the school season ended. Dybantsa was seen by many as the favourite after a powerful freshman yr at BYU, whereas Peterson grew to become one among Kansas’ prime scorers. However, Boozer remained some of the revered gamers within the draft.

Cameron Boozer Sets Big Rookie Goals

Boozer completed his solely season at Duke as among the finest freshmen in school basketball. He averaged 22.5 factors, 10.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.4 steals in 38 video games whereas taking pictures 55.6% from the sphere, USA Today reported.

His efficiency earned him Associated Press National Player of the Year honors, making him simply the fifth freshman to win the award.

Despite his success, Boozer was usually projected to be chosen behind Dybantsa and Peterson. Many mock drafts positioned him at No. 3 with the Memphis Grizzlies, although some believed he may transfer greater relying on how the draft unfolded.

Boozer stated he’s centered on discovering the precise NBA state of affairs reasonably than solely the place he’s picked.

“Where you get drafted today, it doesn’t determine where you’re going to be in 10 years,” he stated. “I just want to go to the right place for me where I can maximize that potential.”

The Duke standout additionally shared his targets for his first NBA season, together with successful Rookie of the Year, averaging 10 rebounds per sport, and taking pictures 40% from three-point vary.