NBA Comparison: Al Horford

Strengths: Boozer brings a rare blend of size, skill, and polish that is difficult to find, even among top-tier prospects … At 6-10, 250 pounds, he combines strength with perimeter skill, allowing him to impact the game from all three levels … Highly productive and efficient, posting elite 2025–26 numbers (22.0 ppg, 10.3 rpg, 4.1 apg) while shooting 55.9% from the field, 39.6% from three, and 79.0% from the line … His shooting range is a major weapon, particularly for a power forward with his frame, making him a legitimate floor spacer … Operates comfortably in pick-and-pop situations and can step out beyond the arc with confidence and consistency … Extremely polished offensive player who plays with a mature feel and understanding of pace … Exceptional feel for the game, consistently reading defenses and making the right play … Elite passer from the post, routinely threading the needle with bounce passes and finding teammates in tight windows … Excellent passer for a frontcourt player, capable of facilitating offense and creating opportunities for teammates both from the high post and out of double teams … Shows strong vision and unselfishness, averaging over four assists per game … Very good ball handler for his size, able to push the break and attack off the dribble … Displays very good body control, allowing him to finish through contact and adjust in tight spaces … Dominant on the interior, using his strength to seal defenders, consistently muscle opponents around the basket, and does a very good job sealing his man early for clean post entries … Displays advanced post skills and footwork, operating with patience, balance, and a deep understanding of angles to create high-quality looks … Shows a polished arsenal on the block, utilizing pivots, counters, and fakes to keep defenders off balance and consistently generate efficient scoring opportunities … Displays advanced footwork, patience, and the ability to utilize pump fakes to create clean scoring opportunities … Strong rebounder on both ends, using his frame and instincts to control the glass … High motor and consistent effort level contribute to his production … One of the most analytics-friendly prospects in recent memory, combining usage, efficiency, and all-around impact … Proven winner with a decorated résumé, including National Player of the Year honors as a freshman and leading Duke deep into March … A true winner who consistently impacts games in ways that translate to team success, prioritizing the right play and elevating those around him … His plug-and-play nature and high basketball IQ make him one of the safest prospects in the class … One of the youngest players in this year’s draft class, adding significant long-term upside to an already highly polished game

Weaknesses: While highly skilled, Boozer is not an elite athlete by NBA standards … Lacks top-tier burst and vertical explosiveness, which can limit his ability to separate or finish over length against elite rim protectors … Can struggle at times finishing in traffic if he is unable to create angles or leverage his strength with positioning and fakes … Some concerns exist about how his offensive game translates against longer, more athletic defenders at the next level … Without elite quickness, he may have difficulty consistently creating his own shot in isolation situations … Can dribble into traffic and is prone to turnovers in isolation at times, particularly when pressured by length and quickness … His game is more methodical than dynamic, which could reduce his margin for error offensively against NBA athletes … Defensively, the end of the floor presents some concerns, particularly with his ability to move in space … May have difficulty consistently guarding quicker forwards and switching onto perimeter players due to limitations in lateral speed … Lacks high-level rim protection instincts and vertical presence, limiting his impact as a backline defender … Not especially flexible, with some stiffness in his hips that can affect his lateral mobility and ability to change directions cleanly … While he possesses very good strength, he can lack overall fluidity and high-end speed, which may be exposed against more dynamic NBA athletes

Outlook: Boozer projects as a highly impactful, versatile frontcourt player with All-Star upside due to his unique combination of skill, feel, and productivity … While some have drawn comparisons to Kevin Love (who led the league in rebounding multiple times), Boozer’s overall game more closely mirrors Al Horford with his athleticism, shooting, versatility, and team-oriented approach … He plays with an extremely patient, highly deliberate style, rarely appearing rushed and consistently making mature decisions with the ball … In some ways, there is a mini Tim Duncan quality to his approach, particularly in the poise, discipline, and understated effectiveness he brings to the game … He carries one of the highest floors in the class and profiles as a safe, reliable pick near the top of the draft given his polish, production, and basketball IQ … He may not immediately rank among the league’s elite rebounders despite strong production at the college level, but his well-rounded skill set should translate effectively … Almost maniacal determination and focus set him apart, with strong parental influence shaping his attention to detail and daily habits … Boozer is a classic overachiever whose trajectory points to an extremely bright future if he continues to refine his game and adapt to NBA athleticism

Notes: Measured 6′ 8.25” barefoot, 252.8 lbs, 7′ 1.50” wingspan, 9′ 0.00” standing reach, 28.5 no step vertical, and 35.0 max vertical at the 2026 NBA Draft Combine…. 2025–26: 37 GP, 33.4 MPG, 22.0 PPG, 10.3 RPG, 4.1 APG, 0.6 BPG, 1.4 SPG, 55.9% FG, 39.6% 3PT, 79.0% FT … ACC Player of the Year, ACC Rookie of the Year, First Team All-ACC … One of the most decorated freshman seasons in Duke history, highlighted by multiple 30+ point performances, dominant double-doubles, and near triple-doubles … Posted 35-point games and consistently led Duke in points, rebounds, and assists … Nearly guided Duke to a Final Four run, falling just short on a late-game three … Five-star recruit and one of the most accomplished high school players in recent memory … Three-time Florida Mr. Basketball and two-time Gatorade National Player of the Year at Columbus … Dominated EYBL and international play, earning MVP honors at both the FIBA U16 Americas Championship and FIBA U17 World Cup … Comes from a strong basketball pedigree and has consistently performed on the biggest stages …

Aran Smith 3/29/26

Strengths: 6’9 power forward … Good length … Strong build, base, and impressive frame. Plays physical. Carves out space, knows how to seal his man, and understands positioning in the post. Very good coordination and mobility … Good athlete and body control. Gets many dunks in the half-court and doesn’t have to gather before jumping … Highly efficient and consistent scorer. Good face-up game. Can dribble into a midrange pull-up and his shooting range extends to the 3PT line with good arc on his shot. Balances the floor, knowing when to space and doesn’t drift to the perimeter too often or settle for too many 3PTers. Scores well in the post, very accurate on the low block, showing a fadeaway and jump hook. Good hands catching the ball and footwork. Very accurate with either hand and has recorded many and-ones with his left (off) hand. Finishes with finesse when appropriate. Scoring stats: 3^rd best 24 PPG 4^th best 66.2% FG% NBPA Top 100 2023, 5^th best 16.8 PPG 58.8% FG% U16 Americas Championship 2023, 2^nd best 20.1 PPG 5^th best 69.6% FG% U17 World Cup 2024 … Draws fouls well and very reliable free throw shooter. Shot 91.3% FT% on 4.6 free throw attempts at the NBPA Top 100 in 2023 and 84.8% FT% on 4.7 free throw attempts per game at the U17 World Cup in 2024. He also shot 4.7 free throws per game at the U16 Americas Championship in 2023 … Has done a good job adding consistency to his 3PT shot and become more reliable as a perimeter scoring threat as his high school career progressed … Very good rebounder on both ends, securing nearly everything within reach with both hands. Finds tip-slam opportunities and converts offensive rebounds into baskets at a good rate. Rebounding stats: Event best 12.2 RPG (2^nd best 3.6 ORPG) NBPA Top 100 2023, 5^th best 9.8 RPG (2^nd best 4.7 ORPG) U16 Americas Championship 2023, 4^th best 9.9 RPG (3.3 ORPG) U17 World Cup 2024 … Good potential as a screener in the pick and roll/pop … Solid dribble-drive ability for his size. Accelerates well with the ball. Doesn’t over-dribble, getting to the rim with minimal dribbles and reacts to the help defense. Uses euro-step when needed … Alert with and without the ball. Smart cutter. Sees the floor and passes well, keeping his head on a swivel and knows his options. Knows where the play needs to be made before catching the ball. Throws accurate outlets and can bullet pass to cutters. Passes well out of the post and doesn’t typically force up off-balanced shots. Can have the offense ran through him and his team scores on inbounds on a fairly routine basis. Averaged 3.6 assists to 2.2 turnovers per game at the NBPA Top 100 in 2023 and 2 assists per game to 0.7 turnovers per game at the U17 World Cup in 2024 … Good effort and discipline defensively. Understands positioning. Vocal, rotates well, and does a solid job switching on screens with good lateral movement. High steal count: 5^th best 1.4 SPG NBPA Top 100 2023, 5^th best 2.5 SPG U16 Americas Championship 2023, 2.7 SPG U17 World Cup 2024. Contests shots without fouling … Mature approach and carries himself like a professional. Plays with good aggression and effort without forcing his impact and doesn’t beat himself. Always plays under control and doesn’t show much emotion … Has handled having a target on his back since day one of high school well … Concise game and consistently productive … High floor and solid ceiling … Consistent winner and well accomplished high school career, winning numerous championships when you count the events and leagues he’s played in over his high school years … Younger for his class, will turn 18 in July after high school graduation …

Weaknesses: Good athlete but isn’t top tier explosive … Can raise his release on his shot as it’s a little low … Makes good reads and is definitely a good passer but has a tendency to get inaccurate, missing his target, or passes getting deflected/intercepted at times. Can be turnover prone … Smart defensive player and has his moments as a shot blocker but not sure how much of rim protector he will be at the next levels. Shot blocking: 1 BPG NBPA Top 100 2023, 0.7 BPG U16 Americas Championship 2023, 0.8 BPG U17 World Cup 2024 …

Outlook: Incoming Duke freshman … Won Gold, earned MVP, and named to the All-Tournament 1^st Team of the U16 Americas Championship in 2023 and U17 World Cup in 2024 … 2023 and 2025 Florida and National Gatorade Player of the Year … 2024 and 2025 Naismith All-American 1^st Team … Led Nightrydas to win Peach Jam in 2024 … Helped Columbus to win the Chiptole National Championship in 2025, scoring 11 points and grabbing 8 rebounds in the championship game … Earned MVP of the 2025 McDonald’s All-American Game with 16 points and 12 (3 offensive) rebounds … Recorded 22 points, 16 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals in the 2025 Nike Hoop Summit … Recorded 10 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists in the 2025 Jordan Brand Classic … 2025 Morgan Wooten Player of the Year … Son of Carlos Boozer …

Evan Tomes 6/30/25

Strengths: 6’9 power forward … Good length … Strong build, base, and impressive frame. Plays physical and carves out space to establish position. Very good coordination and mobility … Good athlete. Gets many dunks in the half-court and doesn’t have to gather before jumping … Highly efficient and consistent scorer. Solid face-up game. Can dribble into a midrange pull-up and his shooting range extends to the 3PT line with good arc on his shot. Balances the floor, knowing when to space and doesn’t drift to the perimeter too often or settle for too many 3PTers. Scores well in the post, very accurate on the low block, showing a fadeaway and jump hook. Good hands catching the ball and footwork. Very accurate with either hand and has recorded many and-ones his left (off) hand. Scoring stats: 3^rd best 24 PPG 4^th best 66.2% FG% NBPA Top 100 2023, 5^th best 16.8 PPG 58.8% FG% U16 Americas Championship 2023, 2^nd best 20.1 PPG 5^th best 69.6% FG% U17 World Cup 2024 … Draws fouls well and very reliable free throw shooter. Shot 91.3% FT% on 4.6 free throw attempts at the NBPA Top 100 in 2023 and 84.8% FT% on 4.7 free throw attempts per game at the U17 World Cup in 2024. He also shot 4.7 free throws per game at the U16 Americas Championship in 2023 … Very good rebounder on both ends, securing nearly everything within reach with both hands. Finds tip-slam opportunities and converts offensive rebounds into baskets at a good rate. Rebounding stats: Event best 12.2 RPG (2^nd best 3.6 ORPG) NBPA Top 100 2023, 5^th best 9.8 RPG (2^nd best 4.7 ORPG) U16 Americas Championship 2023, 4^th best 9.9 RPG (3.3 ORPG) U17 World Cup 2024 … Good potential as a screener in the pick and roll/pop … Solid dribble-drive ability for his size. Accelerates well with the ball. Doesn’t over-dribble, getting to the rim with minimal dribbles and reacts to the help defense. Uses euro-step when needed … Sees the floor and passes well, keeping his head on a swivel and knows his options. Throws accurate outlets and can bullet pass to cutters. Passes well out of the post and doesn’t force up off-balanced shots. Can have the offense ran through him and his team scores on inbounds on a fairly routine basis. Averaged 3.6 assists to 2.2 turnovers per game at the NBPA Top 100 in 2023 and 2 assists per game to 0.7 turnovers per game at the U17 World Cup in 2024 … Good effort defensively. Understands positioning. Vocal, rotates well, and does a solid job switching on screens with good lateral movement. High steal count: 5^th best 1.4 SPG NBPA Top 100 2023, 5^th best 2.5 SPG U16 Americas Championship 2023, 2.7 SPG U17 World Cup 2024. Contests shots without fouling … Mature approach and carries himself like a professional. Plays with good aggression without forcing his impact and doesn’t beat himself. Always plays under control and doesn’t show much emotion … Has handled having a target on his back since day one of high school well … Concise game and consistently productive … High floor and solid ceiling … Has won numerous championships when you count the events and leagues he’s played in over his high school years … Younger for his class, will turn 18 in July after high school graduation …

Weaknesses: Good athlete but isn’t top tier explosive … Shooting form is good and he is plenty capable stretching the floor but can improve 3PT consistency. Shot 12.5% 3PT% on 2.7 3PT attempts per game at the U16 Americas Championship in 2023 and 33.3% 3PT% on 1.3 3PT attempts per game at the U17 World Cup in 2024 … Makes good reads and definitely a good passer but has a tendency to get inaccurate, missing his target at times … Smart defensive player and has his moments as a shot blocker but not sure how much of rim protector he will be at the next levels. Shot blocking: 1 BPG NBPA Top 100 2023, 0.7 BPG U16 Americas Championship 2023, 0.8 BPG U17 World Cup 2024 …

Outlook: Duke commit … Won Gold, earned MVP, and named to the All-Tournament 1^st Team of the U16 Americas Championship in 2023 and U17 World Cup in 2024 … 2023 Florida and National Gatorade Player of the Year … 2024 Naismith All-American 1^st Team … Led Nightrydas to win Peach Jam in 2024 … Son of Carlos Boozer …

Evan Tomes 11/12/24