Cameron Boozer Earns AP Player of the Year Honors as Duke Freshman
Duke University's standout freshman Cameron Boozer has been named the Associated Press men's college basketball national player of the year, cementing his status as a top prospect for the upcoming NBA draft. The 6-foot-9 forward, son of former Duke and NBA star Carlos Boozer, averaged an impressive 22.5 points per game this season, ranking ninth in Division I, along with 10.2 rebounds and 4.1 assists.
Historic Achievement for a Freshman
Boozer becomes only the fifth freshman in history to win the AP award, joining an elite group that includes fellow Duke players Cooper Flagg (2024) and Zion Williamson (2019), as well as Kentucky's Anthony Davis (2012) and Texas's Kevin Durant (2007). Notably, each of these previous freshman winners was selected either first or second overall in the NBA draft following their award-winning seasons. "I'm very grateful just that I'm even in those NBA conversations," Boozer told the AP. "Sometimes you've got to take a step back and just remember that once upon a time, you were a kid dreaming to be here."
Leading Duke to Success
Boozer's versatile play was instrumental in Duke's remarkable season, which saw the Blue Devils achieve 35 victories, reach the number one spot in the AP Top 25 poll, secure the top overall seed for March Madness, and advance to the NCAA Tournament's Elite Eight. His efficient shooting percentages of 55.6% overall and 39.1% from three-point range, coupled with 22 double-doubles tied for the national lead, showcased his all-around impact. "You just want to affect winning in whatever way you can," Boozer emphasized, attributing his individual success to the team's collective achievements.
Key Performances and Recognition
Throughout the season, Boozer delivered standout performances in critical games, including a 35-point effort against Arkansas in November, 29 points versus defending champion Florida, and strong showings at Michigan State and Michigan. His resilience was evident in Duke's season-ending loss to UConn, where he scored 27 points despite a swollen eye from a first-half blow. In the AP voting, Boozer received 59 of 61 votes, with BYU freshman AJ Dybantsa, who led the nation with 25.5 points per game, earning the remaining two votes.
Legacy and Future Prospects
Boozer's award marks the ninth time a Duke player has won the AP honor, each from a different athlete, underscoring the program's rich basketball tradition. Alongside his twin brother Cayden, he helped lead Miami's Columbus High to four consecutive state championships before joining Duke. "We've been fortunate enough the last two years to have two of the best freshmen to ever play in college basketball back to back," said Duke associate head coach Chris Carrawell. With his player of the year accolade, Boozer is now poised to follow in the footsteps of previous freshman winners as a high draft pick, with projections placing him among the top prospects for the NBA.
