Cameron Williams Among Finalists for 2025-26 Gatorade Boys Player of the Year Award

Duke-bound Cameron Williams is hoping to follow in the footsteps of Jayton Tatum, Cooper Flagg and Cameron Boozer in more ways than just his college choice.

Williams was named one of the three finalists for the 2025-26 Gatorade National Boys Basketball Player of the Year, which is presented annually to an athlete for achievements in sports, academics and the community.

Jason Crowe Jr., who is heading to Missouri, and Jordan Smith Jr., who is heading to Arkansas, were also named finalists.

Tatum, Flagg and Boozer all won this award before they arrived at Duke, and Williams surely hopes to be the latest Blue Devil to do so. He is a Naismith Award semifinalist and double-double threat every time he steps on the floor who averaged 12.1 rebounds per game for the 2025-26 season.

He is also a 5-star recruit, the No. 2 overall prospect and the No. 1 power forward in the 2026 recruiting class, per 247Sports' composite rankings. Between his interior scoring, rebounding and rim protection, Williams figures to be a key part of Duke's rotation as soon as his freshman season.

Smith is also a Naismith Award semifinalist and star in the 2026 recruiting class.

According to 247Sports' composite rankings, he is just behind Williams as the No. 3 overall prospect. He is also the top-rated combo guard and someone who can take over contests in a variety of ways.

"There may not be a player in high school basketball who impacts winning in more ways or with the same consistency as Jordan Smith," Adam Finkelstein of 247Sports wrote. "The Paul VI and Team Takeover guard has terrific physical tools and even better competitive intangibles that allow him to change the game on both ends of the floor."

As for Crowe, he is the No. 7 overall prospect and No. 3 combo guard in the class, per 247Sports' composite rankings, and averaged a stunning 43.3 points per game this past season.

He is also California's all-time leading scorer with 4,647 points and should elevate Missouri's offense in the difficult SEC from the moment he arrives.

All three finalists are excellent players who could become household names during their collegiate careers, and one of them will take home one of the most prestigious awards available for high school players.