Duke star Cameron Boozer's girlfriend is a cheerleader for an ACC rival As March Madness approaches, Cameron Boozer and the Duke Blue Devils are set to make their mark in the NCAA Tournament as the No. 1 seed. The team, led by Boozer, enters the men’s tournament as heavy favorites after securing a second consecutive ACC tournament title by defeating Virginia 74-70 in the final. Duke’s path includes matchups against UConn, Michigan State, Kansas, and St. John’s in the East region. Boozer’s standout performances have been a major storyline this season, earning him unanimous first-team All-American honors. His achievements follow in the footsteps of Cooper Flagg, who also received the same recognition before being selected first overall in the 2025 NBA Draft by the Dallas Mavericks. Boozer’s personal life has also drawn attention, particularly his relationship with Yva Lauren Cao, a cheerleader for the University of Miami. Cao, who is dating Boozer since 2023 after meeting in high school, represents an ACC rival team, adding an extra layer of intrigue to their relationship. Cao has made a name for herself in her sport, earning First Team-All Dade honors from the Miami Herald, which recognizes the top cheerleaders in Miami-Dade County. She frequently shares her support for Boozer on social media, including attending his ACC Player of the Year ceremony after their tournament win over Virginia. Boozer has expressed his admiration for Cao’s posts, calling them “a good day” on his own social media. The duo’s connection has been a highlight of the season, with Boozer’s focus on team success and winning culture resonating with his coach, Jon Scheyer. Scheyer praised Boozer’s “contagious work ethic” and emphasized his commitment to the team over individual stats. “He’s all about his teammates,” Scheyer said via ESPN.#duke_blue_devils #acc #university_of_miami #cameron_boozer #yva_lauren_cao
Cameron Boozer’s Girlfriend Yva Lauren Cao Is a Cheerleader at Duke’s Rival Cameron Boozer, a standout player for Duke, is navigating a unique dynamic during March Madness as his girlfriend, Yva Lauren Cao, competes as a cheerleader for Miami, the Blue Devils’ ACC rival. The couple’s relationship, which began in high school, has taken on added complexity as both are involved in major college basketball events. Cao, a cheerleader for Miami, has also been recognized for her talents, earning first-team All-Dade honors from the Miami Herald. Boozer, projected as a top NBA draft pick in 2026, has been a key figure for Duke in the NCAA Tournament. However, the team faced an early challenge in their opening game, trailing 16-seeded Siena by 11 points at halftime. Despite the setback, Duke rallied to secure a victory, with Boozer reflecting on the game’s intensity. “We came out here with the mentality that it was going to be handed to us, and obviously that’s not what happened,” he told ABC 11’s Travon Miles. “We got punched in the mouth.” Cao’s presence in the tournament adds a personal layer to Boozer’s focus. While Duke is the No. 1 seed in the East Region, Miami is competing in the West, meaning the two teams will only meet in a potential national championship matchup. The Hurricanes, seeded No. 10, advanced past Missouri in their opening game but face a daunting path. Duke, meanwhile, swept Miami in the regular season by 35 points or more, and head coach Jon Scheyer emphasized the team’s confidence in Boozer’s ability to handle high-pressure moments. “It’s his composure in these moments,” Scheyer said, noting Boozer’s readiness for the ACC Tournament and beyond. The couple’s relationship has also been highlighted through social media, with Cao sharing a November 23, 2025, post expressing hope for their future together: “Be back soon🖤.#miami #duke #acc #cameron_boozer #yva_lauren_cao
Men's Basketball Coaching Carousel Buzz: Latest on Georgia Tech, Kansas State, More Damon Stoudamire was dismissed as head coach of Georgia Tech on Sunday after three seasons in charge. The decision comes amid growing scrutiny over the program's performance, which has struggled to consistently compete at the top of the ACC. Stoudamire, who joined the Yellow Jackets in 2023, led the team to a 16-16 record in his first season and a 14-14 mark in 2025, but failed to secure a postseason berth in either year. The firing marks a significant shift for a program that has long been a staple of the ACC but has faced challenges in recent years. The coaching carousel in men's college basketball continues to move rapidly, with several high-profile vacancies across the country. Kansas State, which has been searching for a new head coach since the departure of Jerome Tang in 2025, is expected to make a decision in the coming weeks. The Wildcats, who have struggled with consistency in recent seasons, are looking for a leader capable of restoring their program to national contention. Meanwhile, other programs are also in the midst of evaluating candidates, with rumors swirling around potential hires for schools like Texas Tech and Oregon. The landscape of college basketball coaching is constantly evolving, with many programs seeking to balance tradition with modern strategies. Stoudamire's exit from Georgia Tech highlights the pressures faced by coaches in the ACC, where competition is fierce and expectations remain high. As the 2026 season approaches, the focus will shift to the next wave of hires, with schools eager to find the right fit to elevate their programs. The coaching carousel remains a central part of the sport's narrative, shaping the future of college basketball for years to come.#georgia_tech #kansas_state #college_basketball #acc #damon_stoudamire
College basketball conference tournaments, odds: Best college basketball bets for Thursday's games - Yahoo Sports College basketball conference tournaments are in full swing, with Thursday's games offering a mix of high-stakes matchups and potential upsets that could shape the NCAA tournament bracket. Analysts Matt Russell and Corbie Craig have outlined their top bets for the day, highlighting key games and strategies for bettors. In the ACC, Louisville faces Miami (FL) in a matchup where the Cardinals are favored despite a recent loss to SMU. Russell notes that Louisville's victory without star player Mikel Brown Jr. has kept the betting market from heavily discounting them, though the Hurricanes' frontline could pose challenges. Russell leans toward Miami as the more likely winner, despite the odds, citing their ability to match up with Louisville's defense. The bet is set on Miami (FL) +1.5. The Big 12 sees Iowa State hosting Texas Tech, with the Cyclones as the favorite. Russell points to Iowa State's recent blowout win over Arizona State as a factor in the line, though he questions the accuracy of the -5.5 spread. Texas Tech, despite the injury to JT Toppin, has shown resilience, particularly in its 82-73 win at Hilton Coliseum. Russell suggests the line may be overvalued, favoring a +5.5 bet on the Red Raiders. In the Big Ten, Iowa and Ohio State clash, with the Buckeyes' defensive versatility making them a tough matchup for the Hawkeyes. Russell highlights Ohio State's ability to score and their reliance on 3-point shooting, which could counter Iowa's defensive strengths. Meanwhile, Northwestern faces Purdue, where Craig emphasizes the Wildcats' unconventional approach. Northwestern's speed at the big man position disrupts Purdue's high ball screen plays, forcing the Boilermakers into slower, methodical attacks.#big_12 #yahoo_sports #matt_russell #corbie_craig #acc
