Why Cameron Boozer and Fernando Mendoza could soon make sports history

With Cameron Boozer and the Duke Blue Devils playing in the Elite Eight on Sunday, there is a chance for Miami’s Christopher Columbus High School to make history. This is the same high school that projected number one NFL Draft pick, Fernando Mendoza, also attended.

A Duke win in the Elite 8 and Cam Boozer’s continuous argument to become the NBA’s top pick in the 2026 draft, Columbus High School would be responsible for two national champions and two number one overall picks in the same year.

Mendoza is all but set to be headed to the Las Vegas Raiders with the number one overall pick, according to several mock drafts, after leading Indiana to a national title, throwing for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns, and a 90.3 QBR.

On the NBA side, several mock drafts coming out of CBS, USA Today, and ESPN all have Boozer going in the top-3, with USA Today having him being selected first. On the season, Boozer is averaging 22.4 ppg, 10.3 rpg, and 4.1 apg.

Columbus High School pro history

Columbus High School has been a breeding ground for professional athletes, having produced 17 total NFL players and recently having their first NBA Draft pick in 2025 with the Orlando Magic selecting Jase Richardson late in the first round.

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Some notable NFL players out of Columbus include QB Brian Griese, FS Deon Bush, LB Josh Uche, and, most recently, DT Elijah Roberts. Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal also attended the school and was classmates with Mendoza's uncle and father. When they say it's a small world, believe it. 

Cam Boozer and his brother Cayden will soon be added to the growing list of pros out of Columbus. Duke tips off against UConn in the Elite 8 on Sunday afternoon at 5:05 p.m. ET. 

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