Seth Davis praises Duke's Cayden Boozer for 'incredible grace' after Elite Eight loss

The freshman handled questions with professionalism despite a devastating late-game turnover that led to UConn's game-winning shot.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 3:04am

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Cayden Boozer, a Duke freshman, was praised by CBS Sports analyst Seth Davis for his 'incredible grace and professionalism' in handling media questions after the Blue Devils' heartbreaking 73-72 loss to UConn in the Elite Eight. Boozer, the son of former NBA star Carlos Boozer, took responsibility for the late-game turnover that led to UConn's game-winning 3-pointer in the final seconds. Despite the devastating loss, the 18-year-old Boozer fielded questions with maturity beyond his years.

Why it matters

Boozer's poise and accountability in the face of a crushing defeat at the end of his team's season demonstrated a level of maturity and character that is often lacking in young athletes today. His response earned praise from respected media members like Seth Davis, who noted that many professional athletes would have declined to speak with the media in a similar situation.

The details

With Duke trailing by one point and less than 10 seconds remaining, Boozer turned the ball over, leading to UConn's game-winning 3-pointer. Despite the heartbreak of the loss and his role in the outcome, Boozer took responsibility for the mistake, telling reporters 'I turned the ball over. I should've been stronger with the ball. I cost our team our season.' Boozer's twin brother, Cameron, led Duke with 27 points, but the loss may have been the final game the brothers played together, as they are both expected to enter the 2026 NBA Draft.

  • With six seconds left in regulation, Boozer turned the ball over.
  • Five seconds later, UConn's Braylon Mullins hit the game-winning 3-pointer.

The players

Cayden Boozer

A Duke freshman who took responsibility for a late-game turnover that led to UConn's game-winning shot in the Elite Eight.

Cameron Boozer

Cayden's twin brother, who led Duke with 27 points in the loss.

Seth Davis

A CBS Sports analyst who praised Cayden Boozer's 'incredible grace and professionalism' in handling media questions after the game.

Braylon Mullins

The UConn guard who hit the game-winning 3-pointer in the final seconds.

Jon Scheyer

The Duke head coach who made it clear that one play did not decide the game's outcome.

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What they’re saying

“I've seen many pro athletes and coaches in similar situations decline to take questions from the media, and frankly I don't blame them. Cayden Boozer is a college freshman and handled this with incredible grace and professionalism. Much respect to him and his family. He was raised well.”

— Seth Davis, CBS Sports Analyst

“I turned the ball over. I should've been stronger with the ball. I cost our team our season.”

— Cayden Boozer, Duke Freshman

“It's been a special year. Obviously being able to do what we did this year is just really special, and this (may be) the last time we're able to chose (to play together), and I was never going to pass that up. I just feel like I let him down.”

— Cayden Boozer, Duke Freshman

What’s next

The Boozer brothers are expected to enter the 2026 NBA Draft, with Cameron projected as a lottery pick and Cayden a potential late-first or early-second round selection.

The takeaway

Cayden Boozer's poise and accountability in the face of a devastating loss at the end of his team's season demonstrated a level of maturity and character that is often lacking in young athletes today. His response earned praise from respected media members like Seth Davis, highlighting the importance of sportsmanship and professionalism, even in the toughest of moments.