The race for the National Player of the Year award in college basketball has rarely been as competitive as it is now. Cooper Flagg and Johni Broome have established themselves as the top two contenders, and their performances continue to fuel the debate.
With both players excelling in different ways, the conversation surrounding the award is more intense than ever.
Cooper Flagg, Johni Broome Surges Excitement Among Fans
For weeks, basketball fans anticipated this moment, unsure if the race would remain close. As February unfolds, both Flagg and Broome have maintained their dominance, making this one of the most closely contested NPOY chases in years.
Unlike most seasons, when a clear favorite emerges, the voting would likely split between the two if it took place today.
Flagg and Broome have distinct backgrounds that add intrigue to the competition. Broome, a fifth-year senior at Auburn, has built his reputation over time, while Flagg, an 18-year-old Duke freshman, entered college as a highly touted prospect.
Their differing paths to stardom make their matchup compelling as each leads a top-ranked team toward the NCAA Tournament.
In most seasons, the best player in college basketball separates himself from the rest by mid-March. This year, however, no other contenders have come close to Flagg and Broome. The margin between them remains razor-thin, making this one of the most exciting races in recent history.
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Broome, Auburn’s standout forward, was named to the 2025 Naismith Men’s Defensive Player of the Year watch list.
Averaging 18.2 points and 10.9 rebounds per game, he leads the SEC in rebounds and ranks among the top five nationally in double-doubles and blocks per game. His efficiency has been unmatched, earning him the No. 1 ranking in offensive efficiency by KenPom.com.
The Rise of Cooper Flagg
Flagg has quickly become one of the biggest names in college basketball. The Duke freshman, standing at 6’9″ and weighing 205 pounds, has been a dominant two-way player.
Through 21 games, he has averaged 20.0 points, 8.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.2 blocks per game. His shooting percentages—48.4 percent from the field and 34.6 percent from three—reflect his ability to score efficiently at multiple levels.
Coming into college, Flagg was widely regarded as a generational talent. Many compared his hype to Zion Williamson’s arrival at Duke in 2019. His season had early setbacks, including losses to Kentucky and Kansas, where late-game mistakes proved costly.
However, as conference play progressed, Flagg showcased his ability to lead Duke against elite competition.
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One of Flagg’s biggest tests came during the highly anticipated matchup between Duke and North Carolina at Cameron Indoor Stadium. As March Madness approaches, both Flagg and Broome remain locked in a tight battle for the National Player of the Year award.
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