arts
Columbus alums Boozer and Mendoza take over NBA and NFL drafts, leading the way for next generation
By Sebastian Cuervo at WSVN 7 News
· June 22, 2026
· 3 min read
Columbus High School turned out the top pick in this year’s NFL draft and now the Explorers might produce the NBA’s top pick Tuesday night. Miami ’s Columbus High School, with just over 1,700 students, has been the center of attention in the NFL and the NBA. In Tuesday’s NBA draft, former Columbus an
Key takeaway Miami’s Columbus High School, with just over 1,700 students, has been the center of attention in the NFL and the NBA.
Why this matters in The Miami
The recent success of Columbus High School alumni in the NFL and NBA drafts is a testament to the strong athletic programs in Miami-Dade County schools. With 13 Columbus alumni currently playing or coaching in top professional leagues, the school's reputation as a breeding ground for talented athletes is solidified. This achievement is particularly notable in a city like Miami, where sports play a significant role in the community. The influence of role models like Cameron Boozer and Fernando Mendoza extends beyond the school's walls, inspiring young athletes in neighborhoods like Little Havana and Wynwood to strive for excellence. As the city continues to produce top-notch athletes, it will be interesting to see how this trend impacts local sports development and community engagement, potentially leading to increased investment in youth sports programs and facilities throughout Miami-Dade County.
About this story
Original reporting by WSVN 7 News . The Miami surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSVN 7 News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: arts ·
Published: June 22, 2026 ·
Source: WSVN 7 News ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Columbus High School turned out the top pick in this year’s NFL draft and now the Explorers might produce the NBA’s top pick Tuesday night. Miami’s Columbus High School, with just over 1,700 students, has been the center of attention in the NFL and the NBA. In Tuesday’s NBA draft, former Columbus an
When was this published? This article was first published on June 22, 2026 by WSVN 7 News and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Sebastian Cuervo at WSVN 7 News. To learn more about how The Miami selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more arts coverage from The Miami, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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