Duke's Boozer, UConn's Strong win Wooden Award
Mar 19, 2026; Greenville, SC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Cameron Boozer (12) shoots a free throw against the Siena Saints in the first half during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. The stars of perhaps the two top basketball programs in modern college basketball history took home the award named for the man who set the gold standard of winning in the sport. Duke’s Cameron Boozer took home the Wooden Award for the top player in men’s college basketball.
While Sarah Strong of UConn won the Wooden Award in the women’s game. Boozer became the eighth Duke player to ever receive the prestigious honor. “To be able to win and be to be looped in with all of of those great Duke players would be a great feeling, for sure,” Boozer said before Friday night’s ceremony at the Los Angeles Athletic Club.
Strong became the fifth player from UConn to win the award on the women’s side. “I mean, definitely it's a great honor to be here, especially with all the other incredible athletes,” said Strong. She like Boozer swept all the major postseason awards this year.
Both winning the Naismith, AP, and Sporting News player of the year award. Now, the Wooden Award goes to them as well. Boozer now prepares for the upcoming NBA Draft, where he’s expected to be a top five pick.
Though he’s not concerned about where he is selected. “I’m just beginning,” - Boozer added. “So, for me it’s more about where I am in 10 or 15 years than where I am on the first night.