Can Anyone Catch Duke’s Star Freshman in the Race for the National Player of the Year?
Duke’s blistering start to the season has been fueled by the steady dominance of Cam Boozer, who has separated himself as the clear frontrunner for National Player of the Year. The freshman phenom has been nothing short of spectacular, blending power, poise, and polish in a way that makes him look like a seasoned veteran rather than a first-year player. Boozer is averaging more than 23 points per game and just under ten rebounds, and he has only elevated his production as ACC play has intensified. Over his past seven games, he has been a relentless force on the glass, clearing double-digit rebounds in almost every matchup and controlling the interior with ease. Duke sits firmly inside the top five nationally, and sportsbooks have taken notice, listing Boozer at -875 to win the Wooden Award. His consistency, efficiency, and ability to take over games have made him the most reliable star in the country, and right now, he is the standard everyone else is chasing.
Still, the race behind him is far from empty. BYU’s AJ Dybansta sits next at +1800, and his blend of physicality and skill has made him one of the toughest covers in the nation. Dybansta’s ability to get downhill, draw contact, and score in multiple ways has kept him in the conversation, even on nights when he struggles to find his rhythm. His 17-point outing against Kansas and fellow contender Darryn Peterson wasn’t his sharpest performance, but it showed his resilience and ability to impact the game even without his best stuff. Behind him, Texas Tech’s JT Toppin and Purdue’s Braden Smith share +2500 odds. Toppin, typically a 20-point double-double machine, hit a wall against Kansas with just ten points, while Smith’s inconsistency has mirrored Purdue’s recent three-game skid. Losses at UCLA and Indiana, and at home against Illinois, exposed how much the Boilermakers rely on Smith and Fletcher Loyer to close games, and their struggles have opened the door for others to climb the ladder.
That door has been kicked wide open by a remarkable freshman class that continues to redefine expectations. Illinois forward Keaton Wagler erupted for 47 points earlier this season, a performance that instantly thrust him into the national spotlight. Houston’s Kingston Flemings followed with a 42-point masterpiece of his own, showcasing his explosiveness and ability to take over games. North Carolina’s Caleb Wilson has been a steady two-way force. At the same time, Kansas star Darryn Peterson has delivered some of the most electric moments of the year, including back-to-back clutch shots capped by a game-winner against Texas Tech. These freshmen have transformed the landscape of the award race, adding depth, unpredictability, and star power to a field that already featured established names. Boozer remains the favorite, and rightfully so, but the talent behind him is too strong to dismiss. With players like Peterson, Dybansta, Flemings, Wilson, and Wagler pushing the pace, the chase for National Player of the Year feels far from settled, and the final stretch of the season may determine whether anyone can truly catch Duke’s rising superstar.
