Many of the traits that led the Memphis Grizzliesto draft forward Cam Boozer with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft were on display Monday at TPC Southwind.
Some were evident as Boozer talked with a group of kids and hit a few golf balls. At other times, he displayed them while dodging a wasp.
As Boozer wrapped up “The Precision Match” at TPC Southwind, an event that included golfer Tommy Fleetwood and NFL insider Adam Schefter ahead of this week's FedEx St. Jude Championship, he headed toward the shade and greeted media members. When Boozer was set to answer questions, a wasp continuously circled him before eventually landing on his arm, then flying away.
get?
“Oh!” Boozer said, trying to remain composed.
And that he did. The Grizzlies rookie may have done a little bobbing and weaving, but he didn’t run, jump or scream. That composure is one of the reasons the Grizzlies and many of their fans are excited about his potential.
Boozer also believes the ability to remain composed is something that translates to both basketball and golf.
“Not every shot is going to be perfect, and when you get frustrated in golf, it just spirals,” he said. “I think it’s something similar in basketball. Like we were talking about when that bug was flying everywhere. Just staying composed and getting on to the next play.”
Boozer said he has been playing golf for “two or three years.” His father, Carlos Boozer, introduced him to the sport. Cam admits his father and older brother are better players right now, but he said he’s “on the come-up.”
Schefter served as a moderator at the event, asking questions of Boozer and Fleetwood while local kids from First Tee listened to them discuss the importance of precision, preparation and performance.
Cam Boozer staying sharp
The NBA season is about two months away. To stay sharp, Boozer has spent time working out in Memphis and elsewhere.
A video recently surfaced of him working out in Miami, where NBA starters Cade Cunningham, Amen Thompson and Davion Mitchell were among the players seen in the footage.
For Boozer, those workouts provide an opportunity to spend time on the floor with NBA players while preparing for his first season. There’s also the added appeal of being invited to exclusive basketball runs with NBA players.
“It’s been great,” Boozer said. “I think right now, there’s a lot of open runs, people just trying to get back in the flow of playing and things like that. It’s been a lot of fun to compete with some other guys in the NBA.”
Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: NBA rookie finding basketball lessons at FedEx St. Jude Championship
