​Despite entering the NBA with the Memphis Grizzlies as the No. 3 pick in the 2026 draft, Cameron Boozer closed his college chapter with one final accolade on Wednesday afternoon. Boozer was officially named the ACC Male Athlete of the Year, a prestigious honor also known as the Anthony J. McKevlin Award. During his one season at Duke, Boozer delivered a standout performance, averaging 22.5 points, 10.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.4 steals per game. Those eye-catching numbers helped him collect an impressive haul of awards, including the Wooden Award, the AP Player of the Year Award, the Naismith Award, and the ACC Player of the Year Award.
Boozer becomes the 13th Duke basketball player to win the McKevlin Award, joining a lineage of notable Blue Devils who have earned this honor. Among recent Duke standouts recognized with the McKelvin/ McKevlin Award are players such as Cooper Flagg and Zion Williamson, underscoring Duke’s continued prominence in ACC and national athletic recognition. Duke’s success on this front is highlighted by the fact that this is the school’s 18th McKelvin Award, a figure that far surpasses any other ACC program. North Carolina is second in total McKelvin wins with 15, while Virginia sits in third with 10.
This recognition adds to what was already a remarkable year for Boozer, who navigated the transition from college stardom to the professional ranks with poise and optimism. His production at Duke underscored a blend of scoring efficiency, rebounding tenacity, playmaking ability, and defensive versatility that made him a centerpiece of the Blue Devils’ lineup. Boozer’s 22.5 points per game showcased his scoring instincts and ability to create offense, while his 10.2 rebounds per game highlighted his presence on the boards and his impact on controlling the paint. The 4.1 assists per game reflected his willingness to facilitate for teammates, and the 1.4 steals per game spoke to his defensive tenacity and versatility across positions.
Off the court, Boozer’s performance resonated with coaches, teammates and fans, contributing to a season-long narrative of leadership and consistency. The ACC Male Athlete of the Year Award recognizes not only athletic excellence but also the broader standard of character, leadership, and impact across all sports within the conference. Boozer’s selection adds to a legacy of Duke athletes who have demonstrated that the program can produce multi-dimensional stars who excel at the collegiate level and transition successfully to the professional ranks.
As Boozer continues his professional journey, the Duke program can reflect on a season that reinforced its reputation for developing top-tier talent capable of delivering high-level performances across multiple facets of the game. The combination of Boozer’s statistical production, national awards, and conference recognition paints a picture of a player who left an indelible mark on Duke basketball and the ACC during his final collegiate chapter. This recognition from the ACC culminates a season that will be remembered for Boozer’s impressive all-around impact and for the continued prominence of Duke in college basketball’s landscape.