Donnie Freeman was announced as one of the 20 watch-list candidates for the 2026 Karl Malone Award by the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame on Thursday. The annual honor, named after the Class of 2010 Hall of Fame member and two-time NBA Most Valuable Player, celebrates its 12th year by recognizing the top power forwards in Division I men's college basketball.
Freeman appeared in 14 games for the Orange last season, starting in 13 of those, before suffering a season-ending injury. He averaged 13.4 points and 7.9 rebounds, and contributed six double doubles in his rookie campaign. Freeman had a career-best 24 points in a win over UAlbany.
Syracuse opens its regular season on Monday, Nov. 3, against Binghamton in the JMA Wireless Dome.
Fans can support their favorite player by participating in Fan Voting starting Friday, Oct. 31. In late January, the watch list of 20 players for the 2026 Karl Malone Award will be narrowed to 10, and then in late February, to five. In March, the five finalists will be presented to Malone and the Hall of Fame's selection committees, and winners will be selected. The Selection Committee for the Karl Malone Award is composed of top men's college basketball personnel, including media members, head coaches, sports information directors and Hall of Famer members.
The winner of the 2026 Karl Malone Award will be presented on a to-be-determined date, along with the other four members of the Men's Starting Five. Additional awards being presented include the Bob Cousy Award (Point Guard), Jerry West Award (Shooting Guard), Julius Erving Award (Small Forward) and the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award (Center).
Previous winners of the Karl Malone Award are Johni Broome, Auburn (2025), Jaedon LeDee, San Diego State (2024), Trayce Jackson-Davis, Indiana (2023), Keegan Murray, Iowa (2022), Drew Timme, Gonzaga (2021), Obi Toppin, Dayton (2020), Zion Williamson, Duke (2019), Deandre Ayton, Arizona (2018), Johnathan Motley, Baylor (2017), Georges Niang, Iowa State (2016), and Montrezl Harrell, Louisville (2015).
For more information on the 2026 Karl Malone and Katrina McClain Awards and the latest updates, visit hoophallawards.com .
2026 Karl Malone Award Candidates
Koa Peat, Arizona
Keyshawn Hall, Auburn
Michael Rataj, Baylor
Cameron Boozer, Duke
Thomas Haugh, Florida
Baye Ndongo, Georgia Tech
Graham Ike, Gonzaga
Joseph Tugler, Houston
Alvaro Folgueiras, Iowa
Joshua Jefferson, Iowa State
Malik Reneau, Miami
Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan
Caleb Wilson, North Carolina
Nick Martinelli, Northwestern
Trey Kaufman-Renn, Purdue
Bryce Hopkins, St. John's
Donnie Freeman, Syracuse
JT Toppin, Texas Tech
Tyler Bilodeau, UCLA
Alex Karaban, UConn
*Players can play their way onto the list at any point in the 2025-26 season.