Duke's Boozer Reveals Eye Fractures at AP Award Ceremony

Cameron Boozer, Duke's standout freshman forward and a projected top NBA draft pick, revealed on Sunday that he suffered fractures around his right eye during the Blue Devils' 73-72 Elite Eight loss to UConn last week, even as he accepted the Associated Press men's national player of the year award.

The 6-foot-9, 250-pound Boozer sustained the injury in the first half of the March 29 game when UConn center Eric Reibe's elbow struck him near the eye while contesting a shot. Swelling quickly developed, prompting Duke trainers to apply a soda can to his face during a timeout to reduce it. Despite the pain, Boozer returned and finished with 27 points, eight rebounds and four assists, including a spinning layup in the final minute with Duke leading by one. UConn staged a 19-point comeback, sealed by Braylon Mullins' last-second 3-pointer.

"I have a couple of fractures, but I'm all good," Boozer said at the award presentation in Indianapolis. "Just going through the healing process." He chose not to undergo surgery, opting for natural recovery, and appeared largely unaffected during the ceremony, though his eye remained red.

Boozer's performance in the UConn game exemplified his...