DURHAM, N.C. (WNCN) – A future basketball star coming to the Triangle next year is collecting some serious hardware before even stepping on a college campus.
Duke signee Cameron Boozer, the son of former Blue Devils standout Carlos Boozer, added another trophy to his shelf on Wednesday as he was named the Gatorade National Boys Basketball Player of the Year. He also took home the award in 2023.
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Christopher Columbus’ Cameron Boozer #12 dunks against San Ysidro during a high school basketball game at the Hoophall Classic, Saturday, January 14, 2023, in Springfield, MA. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan) -
Christopher Columbus Cameron Boozer #12 in action against San Ysidro during a high school basketball game at the Hoophall Classic, Saturday, January 14, 2023, in Springfield, MA. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan) -
Christopher Columbus Cameron Boozer #12 in action against San Ysidro during a high school basketball game at the Hoophall Classic, Saturday, January 14, 2023, in Springfield, MA. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan) -
Christopher Columbus’ Cameron Boozer #12 in action against Sierra Canyon during a high school basketball game at the Hoophall Classic, Monday, January 16, 2023, in Springfield, MA. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan) -
Christopher Columbus Cameron Boozer #12 in action against Sierra Canyon during a high school basketball game at the Hoophall Classic, Monday, January 16, 2023, in Springfield, MA. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
This marks the second straight year an incoming Duke player has received the honor, following Cooper Flagg. He joins Jabari Parker, Jayson Tatum, RJ Barrett and Flagg as previous Blue Devils to win the award.
Boozer earned the top high school honor over two finalists, including North Carolina signee Caleb Wilson.
“Gatorade is committed to investing in the next generation of athletes on their journey to greatness,” said Gatorade Chief Brand Officer Anuj Bhasin in a statement. “We’re proud to celebrate Cam for a second time with a completely unique opportunity, giving him a one-of-one experience and that honors his amazing accomplishments on and off the court.”
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Columbus basketball stars Cameron, left, and Cayden Boozer, right, during their signing ceremony at Columbus High School on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, in Miami. The Boozers both signed with Duke University. (Andre Fernandez/Miami Herald/Tribune News Service via Getty Images) -
SPRINGFIELD, MA – JANUARY 18: Cameron Boozer of Christopher Columbus (12) defends Tyran Stokes of Notre Dame (4) during the Spalding Hoophall Classic high school basketball game between Columbus and Notre Dame on January 18, 2025 at Blake Arena in Springfield, MA (Photo by John Jones/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) -
SPRINGFIELD, MA – JANUARY 18: Cameron Boozer of Christopher Columbus (12) battles for position against Tyran Stokes of Notre Dame (4) during the Spalding Hoophall Classic high school basketball game between Columbus and Notre Dame on January 18, 2025 at Blake Arena in Springfield, MA (Photo by John Jones/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) -
SPRINGFIELD, MA – JANUARY 18: Cameron Boozer of Christopher Columbus (12) looks to shoot the ball as Zachary White of Notre Dame (3) defends during the Spalding Hoophall Classic high school basketball game between Columbus and Notre Dame on January 18, 2025 at Blake Arena in Springfield, MA (Photo by John Jones/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) -
SPRINGFIELD, MA – JANUARY 20: Cameron Boozer of Christopher Columbus (12) drives past Bruce Branch III of Perry (3) during the Spalding Hoophall Classic high school basketball game between Columbus and Perry on January 20, 2025 at Blake Arena in Springfield, MA (Photo by John Jones/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The 6-foot-10, 240-pound senior power forward dominated on the court this season, averaging 22.6 points, 12.0 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.9 steals and 1.4 blocks through 30 games so far. He spearheaded Christopher Columbus High School in Florida to a 27-3 overall record and its fourth consecutive state title.
“What makes Cam special on the court is his ability to let the game come to him,” said Steve Turner, head coach of Gonzaga College High School in Washington, D.C. “He is able to score it at all three levels, and he never seems to get rattled. He has a great next-play mentality.”
Boozer ranks as the No. 2 overall prospect and No. 1 among power forwards nationwide, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings.
He was selected to the 2025 McDonald’s All-American Game back in late January, along with his twin brother and fellow Duke signee Cayden Boozer.