In the world of high school basketball, few stories capture the imagination like that of Cameron and Cayden Boozer. The twin phenoms from Christopher Columbus High School are rewriting the narrative of what it means to dominate as a duo.
Born and raised in Miami, Cameron and Cayden’s journey began in the same city where they now shine as high school stars.
“My earliest memory of basketball is being in the family room with my dad’s games playing and the mini hoop over the door,” Cameron said.
Their love for basketball started when they were just three years old, playing at the local Boys & Girls Club. From the backyard battles that fueled their competitive fire to the bright lights of international courts, Cameron and Cayden have always been side by side, pushing each other to be better every step of the way.
“It’s really good having a competitive rivalry with your brother who’s also an elite player,” Cayden said. “We just push each other to be the best that we can and I feel like that has really helped us be able to play with each other and push each other each and every day.”
Christopher Columbus High is in the midst of another dominant season, with the Boozer twins leading the charge as they aim for a fourth consecutive Florida state championship. Remarkably, the twins have already delivered three straight state titles to a school that had never won one before their arrival.
“It’s a blessing to take a school that hadn’t won a state title before and now potentially win four in a row,” Cameron said. “Every year we have a target on our back. Everyone’s coming for us. Each year it gets harder to win, not easier. The teams get better and they scout us better and they watch more games. We’re probably one of the easiest teams to find our games because we play on TV so much, so what motivates us is the fact that people are always coming in for us.”
Their on-court chemistry has propelled the 17-year-olds into the spotlight, making Christopher Columbus one of the top teams to watch at this year’s Spalding Hoophall Classic.
Cameron, a 6-foot-9 power forward ranked as ESPN’s No. 2 recruit in the class of 2025, is a force in the paint and beyond. His scoring ability, rebounding and defensive prowess make him a dominant force. He was even ranked ahead of projected No. 1 NBA draft pick Cooper Flagg entering the summer of 2023.
“There are a lot of players that plateau in high school,” Cameron told Sports Illustrated in October. “My biggest thing is not being one of those guys.”
Cayden, a 6-foot-3 point guard ranked as ESPN’s No. 17 recruit in the class of 2025, complements his brother with his court vision, perimeter shooting and ability to run the offense. His command of the game is extraordinary—he controls the tempo, reads defenses and consistently makes smart, calculated decisions. Cayden has led the Nike EYBL circuit in assists for two consecutive summers, and his improving three-point shots adds another layer of threat to his already polished offensive skill set.
“I never really thought of it as ‘I’m just the other brother,’ Cayden said. “I knew I was a good player and I’ve tried to become better each and every year. Thankfully, I’ve gotten a lot better since my freshman year and I’ve gotten the attention I didn’t get before.”
Despite their different roles, their connection on the court remains their greatest strength.
The twins have been nearly inseparable since birth—both on and off the court. As sons of Carlos Boozer, the former Duke standout and two-time NBA All-Star, basketball has always been in their blood. Yet, they’ve forged their own path, driven by a relentless work ethic and a sibling rivalry that has only made them better.
Their journey has taken them far beyond Florida. The twins have shined on the international stage, representing Team USA in multiple competitions and bringing home a treasure trove of accolades. They claimed gold medals in the 15U, 16U and 17U Nike Peach Jam tournaments. As a rising junior on the EYBL 16U circuit, Cameron consistently ranked in the top three in both points and rebounds. Going into his senior season, he performed even better, averaging 24.5 points and 13.4 rebounds at the 17U level, leading the circuit in both categories.
At the July Nike Peach Jam, Cameron put up 20.4 points and 10.1 rebounds, leading his team to the title. From June 29-July 7, they represented the United States at the U17 FIBA World Cup in Istanbul, Turkey, where they helped secure its seventh straight gold medal. Cameron’s stellar performance earned him the tournament MVP, further solidifying his status as one of the top prospects in the country.
Their commitment to Duke this past fall was no surprise. Following in their father’s footsteps, the twins will bring their talents to one of college basketball’s most storied programs. Carlos, who starred for the Blue Devils from 1999 to 2002, led them to an NCAA championship in 2001. For Cameron and Cayden, it’s about continuing their journey together while honoring the legacy of family and hard work.
“I’m proud of them. They’ve worked their butts off for this moment,” Carlos Boozer told ESPN in October. “Really excited that they took their time. Decided to play together in college, which is amazing. They both complement each other so well. They made the best decision for them. Me and Mom couldn’t be any prouder. It’s going to be a fun journey.”
However, as close as they are, Cameron and Cayden have worked hard to carve out individual identities in the basketball world. Although they did everything together, their mother made sure they weren’t just the “Boozer twins.” CeCe Boozer ensured that they had opportunities to explore other interests—soccer, baseball, football and even ice hockey—beyond basketball.
“They’ve fought for [their identity] their entire life,” CeCe told Sports Illustrated in October. “Even though they did everything together, I made sure they were both allowed to be their own person.”
The twins are aiming for another state championship and preparing for their next chapter at Duke.
“Since I’ve always had my brother by my side, I’ve known that I can get through anything because I’ve always had someone I can trust,” Cayden said. “I won’t be able to have that if we’re not on the same team in the NBA, which is probably unlikely, but I’m going to savor these moments while they last.”
Photo by Patrick Fergus/The Student