Incoming Duke Freshman Cameron Boozer Named Gatorade Best Male Player of the Year at ESPYs…

Incoming Duke Freshman Cameron Boozer Named Gatorade Best Male Player of the Year at ESPYs

 

LOS ANGELES — In a star-studded moment at the 2025 ESPY Awards, Cameron “Cam” Boozer was honored as the Gatorade Best Male Player of the Year, joining the likes of past winners such as Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Jayson Tatum . The incoming Duke freshman, who signed with the Blue Devils alongside his twin brother Cayden, holds the distinction of being a two-time Gatorade National Boys Basketball Player of the Year (2023 and 2025) .

Boozer, a 6-foot-10 power forward from Christopher Columbus High School in Miami, Fla., wrapped up his senior season with an impressive stat line: 22.1 points, 11.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.9 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game. He led the Explorers to a fourth consecutive Class 7A state championship and was a semifinalist for the prestigious Naismith Trophy .

An Athlete on and Off the Court

But Boozer’s impact extends far beyond the hardwood. He maintained a staggering 4.82 weighted GPA and gave back to the community through roles as a math peer tutor (algebra and geometry) and volunteer at Fellowship Church, where he assisted with youth services . He also occasionally performs as a cellist in a local Miami orchestra — a testament to his multi-faceted talents and character.

Family Legacy and Duke’s Bright Future

The son of former Duke star and two-time NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer, Cam is not the first in his family to leave a mark at Duke . Carlos led the Blue Devils to the NCAA title in 2001 and enjoyed a 13-year NBA career. Now Cam and his twin brother, Cayden — a five-star point guard and fellow Duke signee — are set to continue that legacy in Durham .

The Boozer twins headline Duke’s top-ranked 2025 recruiting class. Cam is ranked No. 2 nationally in the class of 2025 by major recruiting services, while Cayden ranks among the top point guards in the country . Duke’s head coach Jon Scheyer has praised the incoming duo, calling Cam “the ultimate teammate who makes everyone better” .

A Chip on Their Shoulder

Despite Duke’s elite status, Boozer remarked to ESPN that the Blue Devils have been “very overlooked” this offseason — and that they’re ready to prove critics wrong once the 2025‑26 season tips off . With experienced talent and the fresh infusion of top-tier recruits, Boozer aims to help Duke capture its first national championship since 2015.

Looking Ahead at Duke

Boozer says he’s most excited about the electric game-day atmosphere at Duke — especially the famed Cameron Crazies and the intensity of big road games . His polished, versatile skill set — an ability to score inside, rebound, pass, and defend — has earned comparisons to Paolo Banchero, another Duke standout who transitioned to the NBA .

As Boozer prepares to lead this new-look Blue Devils squad, all eyes will be on whether Duke can make a Final Four run in 2026. But for now, the ESPY award is a fitting acknowledgment of a prodigious talent ready to make waves on campus and beyond.

With this recognition, Cam Boozer cements himself not just as one of high school basketball’s best players, but as one of the most promising college prospects in recent memory — carrying forward both a personal legacy and high expectations for Duke’s next chapter.