The 2026 men’s NCAA Tournament is down to its Sweet 16 and we’ll have a Final Four by Sunday evening. For half of the college stars taking the court this weekend, it’s one final opportuniy to impress NBA teams with their play at full game speed when the lights are brightest as this year’s draft class comes into focus.

The 2026 NBA draft is expected to take place in late June. In USA TODAY’s latest mock draft, Duke’s Cameron Boozer  is expected to go in the first round. Here’s how USA TODAY currently projects the forward’s draft night will play out.

Our draft order is based on ESPN’s projected records and factors in trades, including swaps and protections.

Cameron Boozer 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 1 overall, Indiana Pacers

Kalbrosky’s Analysis:

Duke freshman Cameron Boozer was one of the best players in college basketball during his first NCAA season and now makes his USA TODAY mock draft pole position debut. According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, rival teams believe Boozer would be the “preferred selection” for the Pacers at No. 1 overall because of his “potential fit” alongside Pascal Siakam and Ivica Zubac. The ACC Player of the Year isnt a human highlight reel but he offers consistency and a diverse, impactful skill set. More importantly, he can bring a culture of winning after multiple championships in high school and an elite Duke team that has made it to the Sweet 16.

See USA TODAY’s full mock draft here

Cameron Boozer player profile

(all stats as of March 15)

  • Position: Forward
  • Current Team: Duke
  • 22.5 points per game
  • 10.2 rebounds per game
  • 4.2 assists per game
  • 56.5% field goal percentage
  • 40.9% three-point field goal percentage

Indiana Pacers 2026 projected draft picks