Auburn’s Broome, Florida’s Clayton and Flagg of Duke among John R. Wooden Award men’s finalists

Auburn’s Broome, Florida’s Clayton, and Flagg of Duke Among John R. Wooden Award Men’s Finalists

The 2025 John R. Wooden Award race is heating up, and the list of finalists for the prestigious honor has been announced. Among the names dominating the conversation are Jhoni Broome of Auburn, Riley Clayton of Florida, and Caleb Flagg of Duke. These three players have consistently been the standout performers in college basketball this season, showcasing a combination of individual brilliance and team success that has catapulted them into the national spotlight. As the race for the Wooden Award intensifies, it’s clear that these three athletes are making their case for the top player in college basketball.

The John R. Wooden Award is one of the most coveted individual honors in collegiate basketball. Presented annually to the nation’s most outstanding player, the award is named after the legendary UCLA coach, John R. Wooden, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches in the history of the sport. The award is given to the player who demonstrates excellence on the court, leadership, and sportsmanship, embodying the values that Wooden himself upheld throughout his career.

This year’s finalists, Broome, Clayton, and Flagg, have each had stellar seasons that have earned them a place among the best players in the country. Their achievements are a testament to their hard work, skill development, and ability to impact the game in multiple ways. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at each finalist, analyzing their individual performances, what makes them stand out, and why they’re worthy of being in the conversation for the 2025 John R. Wooden Award.

Jhoni Broome – Auburn Tigers

Season Overview:

Jhoni Broome’s impact on Auburn basketball has been undeniable this season. As the centerpiece of the Tigers’ offense and a key defensive player, Broome has led Auburn to an outstanding year in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and on the national stage. Averaging over 20 points per game, 10 rebounds, and 3 blocks, Broome has showcased his all-around game, making him one of the most dominant players in college basketball this season.

What stands out most about Broome is his ability to affect the game in virtually every facet. On offense, he has been a versatile scorer, capable of knocking down three-pointers, driving to the basket, and finishing strong in the paint. His rebounding has been a major factor in Auburn’s success, as Broome has routinely grabbed double-digit rebounds in critical games. On defense, he has anchored the Tigers with his shot-blocking ability, making him a constant presence in the paint and a deterrent for opponents trying to score near the rim.

Broome’s leadership has been equally important to Auburn’s success this season. As a senior, he has embraced the role of captain, leading by example both on and off the court. His work ethic and commitment to improvement have earned him the respect of his teammates, and he has demonstrated the ability to deliver in clutch moments. Whether it’s making a game-winning shot or getting a crucial rebound in the final seconds, Broome has consistently stepped up in high-pressure situations.

Why He’s a Finalist:

Jhoni Broome’s blend of scoring, rebounding, and defense makes him one of the most well-rounded players in college basketball. His leadership and ability to perform in key moments have helped elevate Auburn to new heights this season. With his consistency and impact on both ends of the floor, Broome is more than deserving of a place among the John R. Wooden Award finalists. If he continues to play at this level, there’s a good chance he could add another prestigious award to his trophy case at the end of the season.

Riley Clayton – Florida Gators

Season Overview:

Riley Clayton of the Florida Gators has had an exceptional season, and his play has been central to Florida’s success in the SEC. Averaging nearly 22 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists per game, Clayton has been a dynamic force for the Gators, using his all-around skill set to make an impact in virtually every phase of the game. A guard with great size and athleticism, Clayton has the ability to create offense for both himself and his teammates, making him a constant threat on the floor.

Clayton’s ability to score is one of his most impressive qualities. He is equally comfortable driving to the basket and finishing with authority or stepping back to hit a long-range jumper. His shooting efficiency has been a major factor in Florida’s success, as he has developed into one of the top scoring guards in the country. Additionally, his court vision and passing ability have made him an excellent playmaker, consistently finding his teammates in positions to succeed.

Clayton’s defense has also been a standout feature of his game this season. His length and athleticism allow him to guard multiple positions, and he has shown the ability to lock down opposing scorers. His quick hands and ability to create turnovers have made him an asset on the defensive end, and his versatility allows Florida to mix up their defensive schemes to keep opponents off balance.

Why He’s a Finalist:

Riley Clayton has been one of the most dominant and versatile players in college basketball this season. His ability to score, facilitate, and play defense at an elite level has made him one of the most complete players in the country. As the leader of a Florida team that has competed at a high level in the SEC, Clayton has established himself as a legitimate contender for the John R. Wooden Award. His overall impact on the game makes him a deserving finalist for this prestigious honor.

Caleb Flagg – Duke Blue Devils

Season Overview:

Caleb Flagg has been a revelation for the Duke Blue Devils in the 2025 season. As one of the most dynamic players in the nation, Flagg has led Duke to a dominant year in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Averaging 24 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists, Flagg has been a consistent force for the Blue Devils, making significant contributions on both ends of the floor.

Flagg’s offensive game is one of the most polished in the country. He is an elite scorer who can get points in a variety of ways, from hitting pull-up jumpers to finishing at the rim in transition. His ability to score off the dribble and create opportunities for himself and his teammates has made him one of the most difficult players to defend. Flagg’s basketball IQ and decision-making have been a key component of his success this season, as he has consistently made the right plays in high-pressure situations.

On the defensive end, Flagg has been a standout as well. His length, quickness, and anticipation allow him to be an elite defender, capable of locking down opponents on the perimeter and contesting shots near the rim. Flagg’s ability to guard multiple positions makes him a valuable asset on the defensive end, and his versatility allows Duke to employ various defensive strategies.

Why He’s a Finalist:

Caleb Flagg’s scoring ability, leadership, and defensive prowess make him one of the top players in college basketball this season. As a key contributor to Duke’s success in the ACC, Flagg’s ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor has made him an indispensable part of the Blue Devils’ success. His standout performances in high-stakes games have solidified his place among the top players in the country, and he is more than deserving of a spot as a finalist for the John R. Wooden Award.

Why These Finalists Matter

The inclusion of Jhoni Broome, Riley Clayton, and Caleb Flagg as finalists for the John R. Wooden Award highlights the diversity of talent across college basketball. These three players are unique in their own ways—Broome with his all-around dominance, Clayton with his scoring and playmaking, and Flagg with his ability to do it all for Duke. What unites them, however, is their ability to elevate their respective teams and perform at an elite level throughout the season.

The Wooden Award finalists are selected based on their overall contributions to their teams, and Broome, Clayton, and Flagg have each proven to be irreplaceable players for their programs. Whether it’s Broome’s leadership for Auburn, Clayton’s versatility for Florida, or Flagg’s scoring for Duke, these players have been at the heart of their team’s success, and their impact on the game has been undeniable.

The John R. Wooden Award represents the pinnacle of individual achievement in college basketball. It’s an honor that has been awarded to some of the greatest players in the history of the game, including the likes of Larry Bird, Tim Duncan, Kevin Durant, and Zion Williamson. For Broome, Clayton, and Flagg, being named finalists for this prestigious award is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and excellence on the court. As the 2025 season continues to unfold, the race for the Wooden Award will only get more intense, but these three players have certainly earned their place in the conversation for the top honor in college basketball.