Columbus basketball team, led by Boozer twins, to open season ranked No. 1 nationally

When it comes to the Boozer twins, Columbus boys’ basketball coach Andrew Moran has nothing against them committing to Duke over their other finalist, Miami.

But …

“I wish they would’ve gone to Miami,” Moran said of Cameron and Cayden Boozer. “It would’ve been amazing for the city and for (the twins’) legacy.”

Moran made it clear he didn’t try to steer the Boozer twins toward any particular school.

Added Moran: “Duke is an amazing place, and they will do well there.”

The twins are also expected to do well this season as they attempt to lead Columbus to its fourth straight Class 7A state title.

On Wednesday, MaxPreps released its preseason national rankings for boys’ basketball, and Columbus was placed at No. 1 in the nation.

To stay on top all season, the Explorers will play a national schedule, starting with a Nov. 19 game against California power Prolific Prep. That game will be played at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton.

Columbus will play a lot of home games – Moran believes it’s important to give fans in Miami an opportunity to watch this team play. But Moran will also take his Explorers on the road to several top tournaments such as the City of Palms in Fort Myers; the Jordan Classic in New York City; and the Hoop Hall in Massachusetts.

But while Columbus will face fierce competition, they have a loaded lineup.

Cameron Boozer, a 6-9 power forward, is ranked No. 2 in the nation among the senior class as per ESPN. Cayden Boozer, a 6-4 point, is No. 17 among the senior class (ESPN).

But there’s also 6-7 forward Caleb Gaskins; 6-6 wing Jaxon Richardson; 6-4 junior wing Cello Jackson; and 6-6 junior forward Keeper Jackson.

All four of those players have multiple Division I scholarship offers.

Gaskins, the ninth-best player in the nation’s junior class as per 247Sports, is a fascinating story because he transferred from Montverde to Columbus this fall.

For years, players from all over the country have transferred from their local school to prep programs. In recent years, local players who made such a move include Marcus Allen (Norland to Prolific Prep); Justin Neely (Miami High to West Oaks); and Dante Allen (Riviera Prep to Montverde).

That’s why a star such as Gaskins bolting Montverde to enroll at Columbus registered such a shock wave in prep basketball circles.

“Maybe things are starting to change,” Moran said. “(Montverde) has gotten everybody’s best players for the past 20 years.

“When (Gaskins) reached out, we couldn’t turn down a player of that caliber.”