Duke freshman Cameron Boozer has been named the Associated Press men's college basketball national Player of the Year, cementing his status as one of the most dominant freshmen in NCAA history. The 6-foot-9 forward averaged 22.5 points and 10.2 rebounds per game, leading the Blue Devils to a 35-win season that included a No. 1 ranking, a No. 1 overall seed in March Madness, and a trip to the Elite Eight. Boozer is only the fifth freshman to earn the AP honor and the second consecutive Duke player to do so, following Cooper Flagg in 2025. His efficiency was notable, shooting 55.6% overall and 39.1% from three-point range while posting 22 double-doubles.

He received 59 of 61 first-place votes from AP voters, narrowly edging out BYU's AJ Dybantsa. Boozer's accolades include unanimous first-team AP All-American honors and leading Duke past UCLA (5 winners) and North Carolina (3) in the all-time list of AP winners. His impact was undeniable, including a 35-point game against Arkansas and a 29-point performance against defending champion Florida.