Grizzlies' Cameron Boozer welcomes 'new challenge' of playing in NBA

Following an historic freshman campaign at Duke, Cameron Boozer is ready to take on the challenge of becoming a franchise cornerstone with the Memphis Grizzlies.

>Cameron was the consensus National Player of the Year, averaging 22.5 points, 10.2 rebounds and 4.1 assists while shooting 39.1% from 3-point range. He is the only freshman in history to tally at least 700 points, 300 rebounds and 100 assists in a single season.

>The third overall pick joins a Grizzlies team that will likely undergo major roster changes this summer, with Ja Morant expected to be on the move. Boozer, the No. 3 prospect in the class of 2025, is prepared to help lead the team, starting next season.

>"I've had a target on my back my whole career," Boozer said on Thursday. "I've been one of the top players in the country in my class for 4-5 years now, so I wouldn't say it is intimidating, but, obviously, the NBA is a new level. I say it is more exciting. I think it is a new opportunity to face a new challenge. I want to be a great player. I want to be one of the greatest players to play the game. That means you're going to have challenges. I think it is really exciting, and I'm excited to be here in Memphis."

>Boozer is highly touted because of his ability to score in various ways, along with his playmaking, ball-handling and maturity at 6 feet, 9 inches. He projects to give the Grizzlies plenty of versatility, leaving coach Tuomas Iisalo eager to begin scheming different lineups and plays for him.

>The son of former 13-year veteran Carlos Boozer further adds to the young core the Grizzlies have assembled, which includes the likes of Santi Aldama, Cedric Coward, Zach Edey and Jaylen Wells. Also included are fellow draftees Karim López (21st) and Richie Saunders (32nd).

>The Grizzlies were ecstatic to add Boozer to the roster and believe he has a bright future ahead. The group will certainly look to ease him into action, but make no mistake about it: Boozer welcomes the pressure that comes with being a high draft pick.

>"I think going to Duke really helped me prepare for this," Boozer said. "I think at Duke, we're playing on one of the biggest stages in college basketball, if not the biggest stage. You're playing big games every night and playing other top players. I've been the best player on my team my whole life. I'm not saying I'm going to walk in and be the best player, but being a big-time player is not something new to me. I think I'm very prepared for this challenge."

>This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Grizzlies' Cameron Boozer welcomes 'new challenge' of playing in NBA