Duke power forward Cameron Boozer received the 2026 John R. Wooden Award on Friday, which recognizes the most exceptional male and female college basketball players, joining an elite group of Blue Devils honorees. The 18-year-old is the fifth freshman to receive the honor, following Duke alumni Cooper Flagg and Zion Williamson, as well as Anthony Davis and Kevin Durant.
Furthermore, Boozer becomes the eighth Blue Devils player to win the Wooden Award, adding to Duke’s record as the men’s program with the most winners in the award’s history (8). The award is named for UCLA coaching great John Wooden, who led the team to ten national titles between 1964 and 1975.
During his freshman season, Boozer averaged 22. 5 points, 10. 2 rebounds, and 4. 1 assists per game. He led the Blue Devils in scoring and rebounding throughout the season, shooting 55. 6% from the field and 39. 1% from three-point range.
He helped Duke to a 35-3 overall record, which included a 17-1 finish in ACC regular-season play and an ACC tournament championship. The Blue Devils received the NCAA Tournament’s No. 1 overall seed and went to the Elite Eight. Their tournament run ended with a 73-72 setback to UConn.
Boozer received significant individual awards in addition to the Wooden Award. He was a unanimous First-Team AP All-American, receiving 59 of 61 votes for AP Player of the Year. He also garnered national honors, including the Naismith Trophy and accolades from the USBWA, NABC, Sporting News, and CollegeInsider. com.
Boozer is expected to be a top-three selection in the 2026 NBA Draft.
