Duke's Cam Boozer is not only a top NBA Draft prospect—he's also got a cheerleader in his corner who knows a thing or two about athletic excellence. The 2026 draft hopeful is dating University of Miami cheerleader Yva Lauren Cao, a relationship that dates back to their days at Christopher Columbus High School in Miami.
Boozer, the son of former NBA star Carlos Boozer, just wrapped up a monster season at Duke. He averaged 22.5 points and 10.2 rebounds per game, earning him the Associated Press Men's National Player of the Year award. While he didn't take home a national title, his performance has him locked in as a top-five pick in the upcoming draft.
But off the court, it's Cao who's been his biggest supporter. She's an accomplished athlete in her own right, having earned First Team All-Dade honors during her high school cheerleading career. Now, she's ready to cheer Boozer on as he takes the next big step.
According to Heavy.com, the couple's relationship has been going strong since their high school days. With Boozer projected to go No. 3 overall to the Memphis Grizzlies by ESPN, Cao will likely be making plenty of trips to FedExForum in the near future.
ESPN's Jeremy Woo sees Boozer as a fresh start for Memphis, especially with recent draft buzz swirling around potential trades. 'Boozer would represent a fresh start, with Ja Morant potentially on the move in the trade market,' Woo wrote. 'Boozer's comfort level on the perimeter makes him an intriguing frontcourt partner for Zach Edey in what could be a standout offensive pairing.'
Boozer's rise has been nothing short of spectacular. He led Duke to a deep tournament run, showcasing his versatility as a forward who can score inside and out. His ability to play both ends of the floor has scouts drooling, and his maturity beyond his years has impressed coaches and teammates alike.
'It just goes to show more about what our team has done, just because I think that really helps awards like this, having great team success,' Boozer told the AP, deflecting praise to his teammates. 'It's really just not me.'
As the draft approaches, all eyes will be on Boozer—and on Cao, who'll be cheering him on every step of the way. Whether he ends up in Memphis or elsewhere, one thing's for sure: this power couple is ready for the NBA spotlight.
