The Race for No. 1: Part IV: Cameron Boozer Takes the Top Spot
Three franchise talents, three different paths, and a debate still far from settled.
After months of debate, signature performances, and shifting momentum, the race for the number one pick is entering its final evaluation window.
In what has been a historic season for freshman talent in college basketball, the race for number one is approaching its final stages, at least from the standpoint of available games to evaluate talent. The three-man race has been exciting and different from years past, as each player has delivered signature moments that strengthened his case to be the first name called in June.
North Carolina’s Caleb Wilson did everything he could to make it a four-man race. Before his season was cut short by a broken thumb, Wilson averaged 19.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 2.9 stocks in 24 games. He’s an athletic dunking machine with a highlight tape second to none. His signature performance came in a home win against rival Duke and former AAU teammate Cameron Boozer. Wilson scored 23 points in that game and made several defensive plays that briefly made it feel like this might truly be a four-man race.
Still, I believe Wilson is the fourth best prospect in the class, and in a normal draft he would likely go no worse than second overall.
But this is not a normal draft.
The big three of AJ Dybantsa, Cameron Boozer, and Darryn Peterson have delivered all season long. Dybantsa leads the nation in scoring regardless of classification. Boozer will likely win ACC Player of the Year and has a strong case for National Player of the Year. Peterson has endured the most uneven season of the three due to availability, but he is still producing an efficient 20 points per game.
So who should be number one? Let’s dig into the numbers.
1. Cameron Boozer: Historic Production and the Safest Bet in the Draft
Duke
Freshman
Big
6’9” | 250
Age on draft night: 18.9
Boozer has been the most consistent of the three prospects, with bad games essentially nonexistent. In a recent game against Virginia, Boozer shot just 3 of 9 from the field but still finished with 18 points, nine rebounds, and four assists. That is the type of production that defines his season.
