Cameron Boozer: "Memphis Believes in Me, and That's What Matters Most"

Brooklyn. Cameron Boozer was selected by the Memphis Grizzlies and addressed the media with a composed demeanor, heavily marked by family, Duke's legacy, and his excitement about fitting into a franchise known for its physical and competitive basketball.

Question: Your father was a two-time All-Star. What's the best advice he's given you?

Cameron Boozer: To stay in the present. Every day is an opportunity to improve and attack the day.

A lot of times you look ahead, ten years, five years down the road, but if you take advantage of the present, you'll probably do better than if you're just thinking about the future.

Question: At Duke you wore number 12, but that could be a problem in Memphis because Ja Morant already wears it. What number will you choose?

Cameron Boozer: First I have to see what numbers are available. Maybe 2 for my brother, maybe 21. I have to see all the numbers on the roster before I decide.

Question: Can you offer Ja something? Money maybe?

Cameron Boozer: He'd probably ask for too much. But there could be something there. There could be something there.

Question: Your father said yesterday that on his draft night, he felt like he was waiting an eternity. You only waited three picks, but did it feel long?

Cameron Boozer: Those five minutes feel really long, honestly.

I'm very grateful. I'm joining an organization that believes in me, and that's very important to me. I'm very excited about what lies ahead.

Question: You've become the fifth Duke player in seven years selected in the top 3. What does it mean to be part of this era of Duke basketball?

Cameron Boozer: It means a lot. When you talk about some Duke players in the NBA, what Kyrie, Tatum, and Paolo are doing, they're great players to be part of.

For me, continuing that and building a great legacy in the league is something very important.

Question: You're going to a franchise known for tough, competitive basketball. How do you think your game fits there?

Cameron Boozer: I play physical basketball, and I believe that's winning basketball. I'm very excited to get there and be with those players. They have a young core and, if I'm not mistaken, also three picks in this draft. It's going to be a lot of fun, for sure.

Question: You mentioned the possibility of wearing number 2 for your brother. What did tonight mean for you, for your siblings, and for your whole family?

Cameron Boozer: It means everything. My family is a huge part of why I'm here. I know I couldn't have made it alone. I shared this moment with them. They've been with me, supporting me every step of the way.

It was incredible to be able to hug them after they called my name.

Question: Memphis fans had pointed you out as one of the players they were most excited about. Have you seen any of that reaction?

Cameron Boozer: I haven't seen it yet, but when I went to Memphis I could tell the fans were really into it.

Some saw me, called me by my name and things like that. I'm very excited to go there, celebrate with them, and build on what happened today.