Alaska's Carlos Boozer reflects on Hall of Fame legacy, relishes success of next generation during March Madness
Mar. 20—There isn't much in the realm of high school, collegiate and professional basketball that Juneau's Carlos Boozer hasn't accomplished. He was a two-time state champion at Juneau-Douglas, a national champion at Duke University and an Olympic gold medalist during his standout professional career.
The latter of those accolades is what led to him being immortalized in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. He and his fellow members of the legendary "Redeem Team" that won gold at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing were announced as part of the 2025 class in September. "Honestly, it's amazing when you think about the people that are in there and our group with our 2008 Olympic team.
We had some studs," Boozer said. "I'm honored to be a part of that team, and obviously, I love this game so much, so to be in a Hall of Fame is a big deal. " Being on that 2008 Olympic roster was one of the greatest joys of his career.
His peers included iconic players such as Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony as well as fellow stars Dwight Howard, Chris Paul, Jason Kidd and Chris Bosh. "It was the best," said Boozer, 44. "We just had a different aura about us.
Our practices were difficult, tough and challenging. We challenged each other and it was awesome to see us come together as a team. We had our individual skills and we played against each other in the NBA, but on that team, we all became one.
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