Columbus High School basketball star Cameron Boozer has been named the Gatorade National Boys Basketball Player of the Year for the second consecutive season, placing him among an elite group of only four athletes to ever win the honor twice. The list includes NBA legends LeBron James, Greg Oden, and Brandon Knight.
Boozer, a 6-foot-9 senior and the son of former NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer, led Columbus to its fourth straight Florida state championship earlier this year with a win over Windermere. The team finished with a 27-3 record and claimed the No. 1 spot in the USA TODAY Super 25 rankings. Boozer averaged 22.6 points, 12.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 2.0 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game this season, showcasing his versatility and dominance on both ends of the court.
The award honors more than just athletic excellence. The Gatorade Player of the Year is also selected for academic achievement and character. Boozer maintains a weighted 4.88 GPA, plays the cello, volunteers regularly at his local church, and tutors classmates in math — embodying the values of leadership and discipline both on and off the court.
Miami Heat forward Kevin Love, who won the award himself in 2007, surprised Boozer with the announcement in front of teammates, coaches, and family in the Columbus locker room. Boozer believed he was attending a routine media availability until Love appeared to deliver the news in person.
“It’s a blessing, first of all, to win,” Boozer said. “Not that many people have won it twice, so I’m super thankful — for my coach, for my teammates, for my family. I’ve had great people around me since day one.”
Love praised Boozer not only for his basketball skills but also for his character and leadership.
“I just love that Cam leans into the process,” Love said. “It’s not just what you do on the court. It’s what you do in the classroom, in the community, and for your teammates. That’s what this award is really about.”
Boozer, a projected top-five pick in the 2026 NBA Draft if he chooses to enter, will continue his career at Duke University next season alongside his fraternal twin brother, Cayden. Both were named to the McDonald’s All-American Game and will play in the national high school tournament beginning April 2.
While Boozer already has multiple titles and accolades to his name, he says there’s still work to do.
“After last year’s loss in the national semifinals, we came into this season hungry,” Boozer said. “We’ve focused on defending, playing together, and getting back to that stage. Right now, we’re peaking at the right time.”
As his high school career nears its end, Boozer says he’s focused on finishing strong and preparing for the next chapter at Duke.
“You only get one college experience,” he said. “We took our time with the decision, and Duke felt like the best place to develop and enjoy the next stage — both on and off the court.”
