Duke: The Blue Devils Win Three Consecutive National Awards with the Basketball Prize
Incoming Duke basketball star Cameron Boozer added to his crown as Gatorade National Basketball Player of the Year.
At the conclusion of every high school basketball season, Gatorade honors the top prep in each of the 50 states. In addition, it also recognizes a National Player of the Year.
The Duke basketball program has enjoyed its fair share of Gatorade NPOY recipients suiting up in Cameron Indoor Stadium, with Jabari Parker, Jayson Tatum, RJ Barrett, and Cooper Flagg having all landed the distinction over the past 15 seasons.
But now, it appears the Blue Devils are set to welcome in another one, but with something the others do not.
On Wednesday, 2025 Duke basketball recruiting prize Cameron Boozer was awarded the Gatorade National Player of the Year, making it three straight years a future Blue Devil has taken home the award. The winner in 2023? Cameron Boozer, the first time.
Boozer, who committed to the Duke basketball program alongside twin brother Cayden Boozer back in October, becomes just the fourth player in the history of the award to win it twice. The other three two-time recipients are LeBron James, Greg Oden, and Brandon Knight, who all later became top 10 selections in the NBA Draft.
He is the headliner of head coach Jon Scheyer’s top-ranked 2025 Blue Devil class that includes three other prospects in Columbus High School (Fla.) five-star guard Cayden Boozer, Bellaire High School (Texas) five-star forward Shelton Henderson, and Harvard Westlake (Calif.) five-star forward Nikola
s Khamenia.
Duke Basketball Prize Gives Blue Devils Three Straight National Honors
Incoming Duke basketball star Cameron Boozer added to his crown as Gatorade National Basketball Player of the Year.
At the conclusion of every high school basketball season, Gatorade honors the top prep in each of the 50 states. In addition, it also recognizes a National Player of the Year.
The Duke basketball program has enjoyed its fair share of Gatorade NPOY recipients suiting up in Cameron Indoor Stadium, with Jabari Parker, Jayson Tatum, RJ Barrett, and Cooper Flagg having all landed the distinction over the past 15 seasons.
But now, it appears the Blue Devils are set to welcome in another one, but with something the others do not.
On Wednesday, 2025 Duke basketball recruiting prize Cameron Boozer was awarded the Gatorade National Player of the Year, making it three straight years a future Blue Devil has taken home the award. The winner in 2023? Cameron Boozer, the first time.
Boozer, who committed to the Duke basketball program alongside twin brother Cayden Boozer back in October, becomes just the fourth player in the history of the award to win it twice. The other three two-time recipients are LeBron James, Greg Oden, and Brandon Knight, who all later became top 10 selections in the NBA Draft.
He is the headliner of head coach Jon Scheyer’s top-ranked 2025 Blue Devil class that includes three other prospects in Columbus High School (Fla.) five-star guard Cayden Boozer, Bellaire High School (Texas) five-star forward Shelton Henderson, and Harvard Westlake (Calif.) five-star forward Nikolas Khamenia.
Duke Responds to the Historic Cooper Flagg Declaration
Cooper Flagg has been the lead man for the Duke Blue Devils, posting one of the best freshman seasons in college basketball history.
Flagg helped lead Duke to the No. 1 seed in the East region after winning the ACC regular-season title and ACC Tournament championship.
As the Blue Devils prepare for the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament, Flagg was announced as the Freshman National Player of the Year.
“Last 2 frosh NPOYs are Blue Devils,” posted the Blue Devils upon the announcement.
Flagg became the fourth freshman to be named National Player of the Year, joining Zion Williamson, Anthony Davis and Kevin Durant
Throughout his freshman season with the Duke Blue Devils, Flagg led the team in average points, rebounds, assists, blocks and steals.
The Naismith Player of the Year finalist has averaged 18.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.3 blocks and 1.4 steals per game.
During the Blue Devils’ potential championship run, Flagg has helped Duke defeated Mount St. Mary’s in the first round of the NCAA Tournament and the Baylor Bears in the round of 32.
Duke now has a matchup against the No. 4 Arizona Wildcats on the horizon. So far in March Madness, Arizona has defeated Akron and Oregon en route to the Sweet 16
Throughout his freshman season with the Duke Blue Devils, Flagg led the team in average points, rebounds, assists, blocks and steals.
The Naismith Player of the Year finalist has averaged 18.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.3 blocks and 1.4 steals per game.
Duke Reacts to Historic Cooper Flagg Announcement: A Freshman Phenomenon
Cooper Flagg, the sensational freshman guard for the Duke Blue Devils, has been nothing short of extraordinary this season. His standout performance on the court has garnered national attention, and on the eve of Duke’s Sweet 16 appearance in the NCAA Tournament, Flagg has been officially named the Freshman National Player of the Year.
Flagg’s impact on the Blue Devils has been immediate and transformative. From the moment he stepped onto the floor, he became the centerpiece of Duke’s championship aspirations. His leadership, scoring, and defensive prowess have been instrumental in Duke’s stellar performance throughout the season. The Blue Devils finished the regular season with the coveted No. 1 seed in the East Region, propelled by Flagg’s playmaking abilities and leadership.
This season, Flagg helped guide Duke to a dominant ACC regular-season title and an ACC Tournament championship. His performances in big moments — including clutch plays in both close games and blowouts — have further solidified his position as one of the most dynamic players in college basketball today. What makes Flagg’s success even more impressive is the poise he has shown as a freshman, consistently stepping up in crucial moments and often being tasked with defending the opposing team’s best player.
As Duke gears up for its Sweet 16 matchup, the announcement of Flagg’s Freshman National Player of the Year accolade is a testament to his hard work, determination, and undeniable talent. The honor, awarded to the top freshman player in the nation, further cements Flagg’s place among the elite, despite his relatively short time at the collegiate level.
Duke head coach Jon Scheyer, who has been guiding the Blue Devils through this remarkable season, expressed his pride in Flagg’s achievement. “Cooper has been exceptional from day one. His basketball IQ, work ethic, and maturity for his age have been unparalleled. This recognition is well deserved, and we are all thrilled to see him continue to grow as a player and leader,” Scheyer said in a statement following the announcement.
Flagg’s ability to dominate on both ends of the floor has earned him comparisons to some of the greatest players in Duke history. His smooth scoring touch, combined with his relentless defense, makes him a complete player and a nightmare for opposing teams. As the Blue Devils continue their march through the NCAA Tournament, Flagg’s presence will be crucial to their hopes of securing another national title.
While the road to a national championship is long, and the competition stiff, Cooper Flagg’s historic season is already one for the books. His recognition as the Freshman National Player of the Year highlights a season filled with incredible individual and team success, and the sky remains the limit for this talented young star.
As the Sweet 16 approaches, Duke fans are hopeful that Flagg’s stellar play will continue, and with his leadership, the Blue Devils are primed for another deep run in the tournament. Regardless of the outcome, Cooper Flagg has already etched his name into Duke’s storied basketball legacy.
Duke Responds to the Historic Cooper Flagg Declaration
In what has been one of the most electrifying seasons in recent college basketball history, Cooper Flagg’s name has dominated headlines, especially as the Blue Devils prepare for the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament. After a standout freshman season, Flagg’s rise to prominence has been swift, and it was capped off with the announcement that he has been named the Freshman National Player of the Year, a recognition that acknowledges his historic impact on the game.
Flagg’s performance has not only made waves on a national level, but it has also been a catalyst for Duke’s success this season. The Blue Devils, led by the talented freshman, earned a coveted No. 1 seed in the East region, which was a direct result of their dominant play throughout the year. With his leadership, Duke captured both the ACC regular-season title and the ACC Tournament championship, further solidifying their status as one of the top teams in the nation.
From the very beginning of the season, Flagg established himself as the go-to player for the Blue Devils. His combination of scoring, playmaking, and leadership ability has been nothing short of remarkable, especially for a freshman. His poise on the court and his knack for making clutch plays have already drawn comparisons to some of the greats in Duke’s storied history.
Flagg’s influence has extended beyond the box score. His ability to inspire and elevate those around him has been one of the key factors in Duke’s rise to the top of college basketball. Whether it’s his calm demeanor in high-pressure situations or his unselfish playmaking, Flagg has proved that he is not just one of the best freshmen in the nation, but one of the most well-rounded players in the country.
As Duke prepares for their Sweet 16 matchup, the excitement surrounding Flagg’s accomplishments continues to grow. The Freshman National Player of the Year award is a testament to his incredible talent, work ethic, and ability to deliver when it matters most. With the Blue Devils now firmly entrenched as one of the favorites to win the national title, Flagg’s presence on the court will continue to be a game-changer, and his journey will undoubtedly be one to watch as March Madness intensifies.
In a year where freshman talent has been on full display, Cooper Flagg has managed to separate himself from the pack. The future of college basketball is bright, and Cooper Flagg has only just begun to write his legacy in Duke Blue Devil history.
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