Duke Blue Devils freshman Cameron Boozer has been named the AP men’s Player of the Year after leading the Blue Devils to a 35-3 record with an appearance in the Elite 8.
AP PLAYER OF THE YEAR 🚨
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CAMERON BOOZER 👏 pic.twitter.com/FKysaFliln
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) April 3, 2026
Boozer was arguably the most consistent and dominant player in college basketball for the entire season. He put up impressive averages of 22.5 points, 10.2 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game while shooting an efficient 55.6% from the floor and 39.1% from beyond the arc.
Duke’s season ended with an Elite 8 loss to UConn, but Boozer put up 27 points in that matchup. The campaign didn’t end the way the Blue Devils would have liked, but their impressive year was highlighted by Boozer’s historic freshman season.
He’s now the fifth freshman ever to win the AP men’s POTY award, joining Cooper Flagg, Zion Williamson, Anthony Davis and Kevin Durant.
“I’m very grateful just that I’m even in those [NBA] conversations,” Boozer said. “I think a lot of people dream of being where I am. 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. So I think it’s very special.”
Thursday’s award adds to a packed trophy case for Boozer, who was already named the ACC Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year.
While he hasn’t made the official announcement, Boozer is expected to declare for the NBA draft, where he’s projected to be a top-three pick at worst.
James Parker contributed to this story.
