Duke forward Cameron Boozer was the biggest star in men’s college basketball all season, and on Friday, was named the AP’s National Player of the Year. He’s just the fifth freshman to ever receive the honor.
Boozer was a menace on both ends of the floor for the Blue Devils. Averaging 22.5 points, 10.2 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game, Boozer was the fuel behind the Duke offense, able to bully defenders inside as well as threaten from the perimeter. His play helped the Blue Devils secure the top-seed in the NCAA tournament, and while Duke fell short of a title after a heartbreaking loss to UConn in the Elite Eight, Boozer’s season was still a stellar one.
He received 59 of a possible 61 first-place votes for the award, with BYU’s AJ Dybantsa receiving the two remaining votes.
Cameron Boozer joins elite company as the fifth freshman to win the award
Boozer is expected to be one of the top picks in the coming NBA draft, but has already joined the company of some of the biggest stars in the league by becoming the fifth freshman to be named AP Player of the Year.
Here’s a look at the list.
| Year | Player | School | Draft pick |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Cameron Boozer | Duke | TBD |
| 2025 | Cooper Flagg | Duke | No. 1 |
| 2019 | Zion Williamson | Duke | No. 1 |
| 2012 | Anthony Davis | Kentucky | No. 1 |
| 2007 | Kevin Durant | Texas | No. 2 |
Boozer won’t have to wait long to hear his name called once the first round of the draft begins.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Cameron Boozer Becomes Just the Fifth Freshman Named AP Player of the Year.
