Duke Freshman Cameron Boozer Named AP National Player of the Year

Boozer is just the fifth freshman to win the prestigious award.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 9:03pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game or match, with the players and court broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of vibrant blue, white, and gold colors, capturing the dynamic energy of the sport.Boozer's historic individual season has elevated Duke to new heights, showcasing the program's ability to develop elite college talent.Today in Miami

Duke men's basketball freshman Cameron Boozer has been named the Associated Press National Player of the Year. Boozer is just the fifth freshman to win the award, joining fellow Blue Devils Cooper Flagg and Zion Williamson, along with Anthony Davis and Kevin Durant. The Miami native becomes the ninth Blue Devil to be named National Player of the Year by the AP, more than any other program in the award's 65-year history.

Why it matters

Boozer's historic season has cemented his status as one of the top young talents in college basketball. His dominant performance has helped lead Duke to a successful season and has further solidified the program's reputation for developing elite players.

The details

Boozer led Duke in scoring, rebounding and assists, averaging 22.5 points, 10.2 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game while shooting 55.6% from the field. He recorded at least 13 points, five rebounds and two assists in every game, the longest such streak by any Division I player this century. Boozer is the first freshman or sophomore to average at least 20 points, 10 rebounds and four assists in a season since Larry Bird in 1976-77, and the only Division I player in the last 30 years to total 700 points, 300 rebounds and 100 assists while shooting at least 50% from the field in a single regular season.

  • Boozer was named the AP National Player of the Year on April 3, 2026.

The players

Cameron Boozer

A freshman forward at Duke University who was named the AP National Player of the Year after a historic season.

Cooper Flagg

A former Duke player who was named the ACC Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year in the 2024-25 season.

Zion Williamson

A former Duke player who was named the AP National Player of the Year in 2019.

Anthony Davis

A former college basketball player who was named the AP National Player of the Year in 2012.

Kevin Durant

A former college basketball player who was named the AP National Player of the Year in 2007.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

Cameron Boozer's historic season has cemented his status as one of the top young talents in college basketball. His dominant performance has helped lead Duke to a successful season and has further solidified the program's reputation for developing elite players.