Duke freshman forward Cameron Boozer named AP men's national player of the year

April 3, 2026 - 22:48

Duke University's Cameron Boozer has been named the Associated Press men's national player of the year, a remarkable achievement for a freshman. The announcement, made Friday, underscores a dominant inaugural college campaign for the forward.

Boozer secured a near-unanimous selection, capturing 59 of the 61 possible votes from the national media panel that composes the AP Top 25 poll. This decisive margin highlights the significant impression he made on voters throughout the season.

His consistent excellence on both ends of the court propelled Duke to a highly successful season and established him as the nation's most impactful newcomer. The award recognizes not just scoring prowess but overall influence, with Boozer regularly posting impressive numbers in points, rebounds, and defensive contributions.

This honor places Boozer among the most elite company in college basketball, marking him as the first Duke freshman to ever receive the AP's national player of the year distinction. His immediate impact has reshaped expectations for first-year players and sets the stage for a promising future. The award solidifies his status as a cornerstone talent for the Blue Devils as they look ahead.