Cameron Boozer wins AP Player of the Year in historic freshman season
Duke freshman Cameron Boozer has been named the Associated Press men’s college basketball national Player of the Year after leading the Blue Devils to the Elite Eight.
The 6-foot-9 forward received 59 out of 61 first-place votes to claim the prestigious honour.
He becomes only the fifth freshman in history to win the award, following in the footsteps of former Duke stars Cooper Flagg and Zion Williamson.
Following in famous footsteps
“You just want to affect winning in whatever way you can.”
Cameron Boozer
The son of former NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer averaged an impressive 22.5 points and 10.2 rebounds per game during a dominant campaign.
His all-around game also saw him register 4.1 assists per contest while shooting 55.6% from the field and 39.1% from three-point range.
The versatile big man tied for the national lead with 22 double-doubles across the season.
Duke’s historic dominance continues
The highly rated prospect was the driving force behind a squad that won 35 games and secured the top overall seed for March Madness.
His recognition marks the ninth time a Blue Devils player has won the accolade, extending the programme’s record for the most individual winners in the country.
BYU’s AJ Dybantsa, another highly touted future professional, received the remaining two votes after leading the NCAA with 25.5 points per game.
“It just goes to show more about what our team has done, just because I think that really helps awards like this, having great team success. It’s really just not me.”
Cameron Boozer
Destined for the NBA Draft
Every previous freshman to secure the AP award – a list that also includes Anthony Davis and Kevin Durant – has gone on to be selected first or second overall in the NBA Draft.
“We’ve been fortunate enough the last two years to have two of the best freshmen to ever play in college basketball back to back. And Cam is right up there.”
Chris Carrawell, Duke associate head coach
By orchestrating the offence and navigating constant double-teams, the 19-year-old has firmly cemented his status as a premier lottery pick.
“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.”
Cameron Boozer
