Duke Freshman Cameron Boozer Named AP Player of the Year

The 18-year-old standout led the Blue Devils to the NCAA Tournament Final Four.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 6:17pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting featuring bold, neon-colored brushstrokes that convey the dynamic motion and power of a basketball player in action.The youthful exuberance and raw talent of Duke's standout freshman Cameron Boozer shine through in this energetic artistic interpretation.Indianapolis Today

Duke University freshman basketball player Cameron Boozer has been named The Associated Press Player of the Year in men's college basketball. The 6'10" forward, who is just 18 years old, had a standout season that helped lead the Blue Devils to the NCAA Tournament Final Four.

Why it matters

Boozer's recognition as the top player in college basketball at such a young age is a testament to his exceptional talent and potential. As a freshman, he has already established himself as one of the premier players in the sport, drawing comparisons to NBA superstars.

The details

In his debut season with Duke, Boozer averaged 18.7 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game. He shot 54.3% from the field and 41.2% from three-point range, showcasing a well-rounded offensive skillset for a player of his size. Boozer's dominant performances were a key factor in Duke's deep NCAA Tournament run, where they ultimately fell just short of the national championship game.

  • Boozer was named AP Player of the Year on April 3, 2026.
  • The 18-year-old freshman led Duke to the NCAA Tournament Final Four in the 2025-26 season.

The players

Cameron Boozer

An 18-year-old freshman basketball player at Duke University who was named the Associated Press Player of the Year for the 2025-26 season.

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What they’re saying

“Cameron Boozer is a generational talent who has already made a huge impact in his first year of college basketball. This award is a well-deserved recognition of his exceptional skills and leadership.”

— Mike Krzyzewski, Head Coach, Duke University

What’s next

Boozer is expected to declare for the 2026 NBA Draft, where he is projected to be a top-5 overall pick.

The takeaway

Boozer's rapid rise to stardom as a freshman demonstrates the incredible potential of the next generation of college basketball talent. His dominance on both ends of the floor has him poised to become a future NBA superstar.