Boozer, Gillespie Earn Inaugural Oscar Robertson Trophy Monthly Honors

USBWA Launches New Monthly Award Program to Spotlight High-Major and Mid-Major Excellence

Indianapolis, IN — The U.S. Basketball Writers Association unveiled a groundbreaking new recognition program on Sunday, announcing Duke freshman Cameron Boozer and Kent State senior Delrecco Gillespie as the inaugural Oscar Robertson Trophy Players of the Month for November 2025.

The USBWA’s 11-person executive board voted to create the monthly awards to spotlight elite performers across both high-major and mid-major programs, adding another layer of recognition to the national player of the year conversation.

Boozer Dominates in Blue Devils Debut Month

Duke’s five-star freshman forward made an immediate impact in his college debut, averaging 22.9 points, 9.8 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.8 steals while leading the Blue Devils to an undefeated start and a top-five ranking in the AP poll.

The No. 3 player in the class of 2025, per 247Sports, Boozer delivered two jaw-dropping 35-point performances in November. He exploded for 35 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, three steals, and three blocks against Indiana State on Nov. 14, then followed with another 35-point outing against Arkansas on Thanksgiving, adding nine rebounds, three assists, and two steals.

Boozer became the only Duke freshman in the past 35 years to score at least 35 points twice in his debut season—and he accomplished the feat in less than two weeks.

“In a loaded field of candidates, Boozer emerged as the top performer in what doubled as his debut month of college basketball,” the USBWA stated in its announcement.

Advanced metrics confirm Boozer’s dominance. He ranks No. 1 at both KenPom and EvanMiya as the most valuable player in college basketball through the first four weeks of the season.

The 6-foot-9 forward was named to the USBWA’s preseason watch lists for both the Oscar Robertson Trophy (national player of the year) and the Wayman Tisdale Award (national freshman of the year).

Gillespie Powers Kent State’s Best Start in Six Years

While Boozer grabbed headlines at college basketball’s highest level, Gillespie quietly dominated the mid-major ranks with a statistical tour de force that propelled Kent State to a 7-1 start—its best opening in six years.

The 6-foot-8, 230-pound senior interior force averaged 19.5 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks while shooting an efficient 60.8 percent from the field. His rebounding average ranks No. 2 in all of men’s college basketball, and he’s the only player in the country averaging more than 11.0 rebounds and 16.0 points.

“There were a lot of mid-major standouts in November, but few had the statistical impact and a direct correlation to winning like Gillespie,” the USBWA noted.

Gillespie’s prowess in the paint and around the rim will be crucial for Kent State’s push toward a third NCAA Tournament bid under head coach Rob Senderoff. The MAC could prove to be one of the better mid-major races by February. Gillespie’s consistency will be central to the Golden Flashes’ championship aspirations.

In an era where players frequently transfer in search of bigger opportunities, Gillespie represents a refreshing commitment to program building. The four-year Kent State player has improved his numbers across the board every season. With a significant spike in his senior campaign.

Kent State’s next game comes Wednesday night at home against Austin Peay.

USBWA News:

• UConn’s Fudd, Utah State’s Collins Lead USBWA Weekly Honors; Rhode Island Upsets No. 16 NC State
• Iowa State’s Crooks Headlines USBWA Women’s Weekly Honors for Second Consecutive Week
• USBWA Announces 2025-26 Oscar Robertson Trophy and Wayman Tisdale Award Preseason Watch Lists

New Monthly Recognition Program

The monthly awards represent a significant expansion of the USBWA’s recognition efforts. Player-of-the-month honors are commonplace in American professional sports leagues, and college basketball now joins that tradition with this new program.

The USBWA hopes the November, December, January, and February winners will add to the conversation about All-America teams and the Oscar Robertson Trophy race. The awards complement the association’s existing five-man Player of the Week spotlights.

“This will continue to spotlight big-time performers and add a little more attention and recognition,” the USBWA stated.

Oscar Robertson Trophy Legacy

Since the 1958-59 season, the USBWA has named a National Player of the Year. In 1998, the award was named in honor of University of Cincinnati Hall of Famer and two-time USBWA Player of the Year Oscar Robertson. It is the nation’s oldest player of the year award and the only one named after a former player.

At the conclusion of the regular season, the USBWA will name finalists for the award. This is voted on by the entire membership. The winner will be announced at the 2026 Men’s Final Four in Indianapolis. The formal presentation to follow at the annual USBWA Awards Luncheon hosted by the Missouri Athletic Club in St. Louis.

About the USBWA

The U.S. Basketball Writers Association was formed in 1956 at the urging of then-NCAA Executive Director Walter Byers. With approximately 800 members worldwide, it is one of the most influential organizations in college basketball. The association has selected an All-America team since the 1956-57 season.

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