The competition for the national player of the year award in the 2024-25 men’s college basketball season has captured significant attention. Duke’s Cooper Flagg and Auburn’s Johni Broome are in a tight race for this prestigious honor. Recently, the list of candidates for the John R. Wooden Award, which recognizes outstanding college basketball players, was finalized.
Flagg and Broome are prominent among the 15 men’s players nominated for the award. Both players have distinguished themselves from the vast pool of Division I athletes throughout the season. Flagg, a standout freshman projected to be the top pick in the 2025 NBA draft, is having a remarkable season. He is averaging 19.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, with impressive shooting percentages. In conference play, his scoring has soared to 21.5 points per game.
Broome, on the other hand, has been a key player for Auburn, the top-ranked team for a significant part of the season. As a transfer from Morehead State, Broome is averaging 18 points and 10.7 rebounds per game, showcasing his double-double capabilities. While he was a frontrunner for the award earlier in the season, a recent ankle injury has impacted his performance.
With Flagg and Broome leading the way, the race for the Wooden Award is shaping up to be thrilling. The nominees on the ballot include standout players such as Walter Clayton Jr., L.J. Cryer, Hunter Dickinson, and others, listed alphabetically for consideration.
