By ALEJANDRO LOPEZ
NEW YORK — Cam Boozer showed off all the skill and versatility worthy of the No. 2 prospect in the nation in his final game at the Jordan Holiday Classic on Sunday afternoon at Baruch College.
The soon-to-be NBA product’s talent was showcased live on the NBA App as he put up 27 points on 11-of-17 from the field in Columbus (Fla.)’s 57-49 loss to Link Academy. It was the second straight loss for Columbus, which fell to Long Island Lutheran 77-66 on Saturday night when a slew of NBA scouts, agents and college coaches, as well as former NBA stars Carmelo Anthony and Chris Mullin, were in the building.
While the outcome of Sunday’s game was disappointing for Boozer and his team, the Duke commit showed that can dominate at this level and is ready for college and beyond. Boozer is projected as a top-3 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
“He can shoot the three, he can drive, he can play down low, he can guard multiple positions,” Columbus coach Andrew Moran told ZAGSBLOG.
Said one NBA scout of the 6-foot-9 Boozer: “He awesome size and versatility, and he’s smart beyond his years.”
Boozer finished the first half with 17 of Columbus’ 24 points, already more than his performance against LuHi (12).
The second half on Sunday proved to be more difficult for a team playing its third game in as many days.
“Everyone gets affected by that but you got to push through,” Boozer said. “You got to be tougher, as a team we got to be tougher as well.”
Link Academy forward and Ohio State commit A’mare Bynum made his own statement in the game, dropping 22 points while defending Boozer for a majority of the game.
“I just feel like it’s a regular player,” Bynum told ZAGSBLOG. “I’m not going to say that he’s No. 2 in the country, anyone can get on the court.”
And here’s @DukeMBB commit Cam Boozer effortlessly pulling up for a 3 https://t.co/8CGzU0xqyS pic.twitter.com/qiTfFoDDvA
— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) December 29, 2024
Link Academy’s coach Chad Myers has been around future NBA players before and he sees that level of player in Boozer.
“I think it’s just his competitive nature,” Myers said. “Even tonight I thought we played well but he still tried to impose his will on the game. All the guys that I’ve coached against that played in the NBA, they all compete and that’s what he hangs his hat on.”
For now, Boozer’s focus is on the next stage of his career playing for coach Jon Scheyer at Duke.
“I watch every game,” Boozer said of the Blue Devils, who feature projected No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg.
“They’re a great team, got a lot of young talent and they’ve been able to use that talent really well. They’ve beaten some tough teams like Alabama and Arizona so I think they’re having a great season so far.”
Cam and his twin brother Cayden Boozer chose Duke over Miami in October and Cam said he was sorry to learn that longtime Miami coach Jim Larranaga had opted to step down last week. Had the Boozers chose Miami over Duke, that surely would not have been the case.
“Sad that happened mid-season,” Cam said. “He’s a great guy and an amazing coach so I wish him the best.”
Photo: Jeff Kovner / MADE Hoops
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