The race for the Naismith National Player of the Year in college basketball has narrowed down to two standout stars—Duke’s Cooper Flagg and Auburn’s Johni Broome. As the season nears its end, these two have separated themselves from the pack with dominant performances, leading their respective teams to the top of the national rankings.
But with the finalists set to be announced on March 25, will anyone else challenge Flagg and Broome for the top individual honor in college basketball? Let’s break it all down.
Cooper Flagg & Johni Broome: The Clear Frontrunners
As the college basketball regular season wraps up, two names dominate the Player of the Year conversation—Cooper Flagg and Johni Broome. Not only have they put up elite stats, but they’ve also been the driving forces behind the No. 1 and No. 2 teams in the country, making this debate even more compelling.
Cooper Flagg: Duke’s Do-It-All Superstar
The hype surrounding Cooper Flagg coming into the season was massive. As the projected No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, the freshman phenom has somehow exceeded expectations, proving himself as one of the best players in the country.
His numbers tell the story:
✅ 19.6 PPG
✅ 7.5 RPG
✅ 4.2 APG
✅ 49.7% FG
✅ 1.6 SPG, 1.2 BPG
Why Flagg Stands Out: Unlike most freshmen, Flagg plays with the poise of a veteran. He impacts the game on both ends of the floor, using his elite length and athleticism to create turnovers, block shots, and push Duke’s fast-paced offense. Whether it’s knocking down perimeter jumpers, attacking the rim, or defending multiple positions, Flagg does it all.
Johni Broome: The Dominant SEC Big Man
If there’s one player who has kept up with Flagg, it’s Johni Broome. The senior has been Auburn’s anchor, leading the Tigers through a tough SEC schedule with his dominant inside presence.
His season stats are just as impressive:
✅ 18.0 PPG
✅ 10.7 RPG
✅ 3.3 APG
✅ 50.4% FG
✅ 2.8 BPG
Why Broome Stands Out: While Flagg shines on the perimeter, Broome owns the paint. His shot-blocking (2.8 BPG) makes him one of the top rim protectors in the country, and his rebounding dominance gives Auburn a huge advantage inside. Despite facing elite competition night in and night out, Broome remains Auburn’s most consistent force on both ends of the court.
How Do They Compare?
| Category | Cooper Flagg (Duke) | Johni Broome (Auburn) |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 19.6 | 18.0 |
| Rebounds Per Game | 7.5 | 10.7 |
| Assists Per Game | 4.2 | 3.3 |
| Blocks Per Game | 1.2 | 2.8 |
| Steals Per Game | 1.6 | 0.8 |
| Shooting % | 49.7% | 50.4% |
The stats show two very different styles of play. Flagg’s versatility makes him a game-changer all over the court, while Broome’s interior presence makes him one of the most dominant big men in the country.
So who has the edge? It depends on what voters prioritize.
🔹 If they value versatility, playmaking, and defensive impact all over the floor, Flagg is the favorite.
🔹 If they prioritize rebounding, shot-blocking, and dominance inside, Broome has a strong case.
Who Else Could Be a Finalist?
While Flagg and Broome are the top two contenders, the Naismith Award announces four finalists. So, who else might make the cut?
Mark Sears (Alabama, PG)
🏀 20.1 PPG, 4.3 APG, 41.5% 3PT
✅ Best player on a top-10 team
✅ Elite scorer and playmaker
✅ Recent big performances boost his case
Sears is Alabama’s go-to offensive weapon, but his overall numbers aren’t as dominant as Flagg or Broome’s.
Braden Smith (Purdue, PG)
🏀 16.2 PPG, 7.5 APG (2nd in the nation)
✅ Stepped up as Purdue’s leader
✅ One of the best passers in the country
✅ Playing in one of the toughest conferences
Smith has emerged from Zach Edey’s shadow, but Purdue’s inconsistent play hurts his case.
Eric Dixon (Villanova, F)
🏀 23.6 PPG (1st in the country)
✅ Leading scorer in all of college basketball
✅ Efficient shooter and dominant inside
❌ Villanova’s underwhelming season hurts his case
Dixon’s scoring numbers are elite, but team success matters, and Villanova hasn’t been a top contender.
Final Prediction: Who Wins Player of the Year?
At this point, it’s hard to see anyone overtaking Cooper Flagg or Johni Broome. Both players have led their teams to the top of the rankings while putting up elite numbers in all aspects of the game.
But when it comes to who wins the award, the edge goes to:
🏆 COOPER FLAGG 🏆
Why?
✅ Flagg’s all-around impact is unmatched
✅ He’s been Duke’s best player in every major category
✅ He’s already being compared to future NBA superstars
While Broome is dominant inside, Flagg’s ability to impact every facet of the game makes him the top choice. If Duke continues its strong push into March Madness, expect Flagg to add the Naismith Player of the Year trophy to his growing list of accolades.
Final Thoughts
The Player of the Year race is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. With Cooper Flagg and Johni Broome leading the pack, the final few weeks of the season could decide the winner.
Who do you think should win? Will Flagg’s versatility or Broome’s dominance inside take home the award?
Drop your thoughts in the comments! ⬇️🏀🔥