Freeman Named to Karl Malone Energy Forward Award Watch Record

Donnie Freeman was introduced as one of many 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 twelfth yr by recognizing the highest energy forwards in Division I males’s school basketball.

Freeman appeared in 14 video games for the Orange final season, beginning in 13 of these, earlier than struggling a season-ending harm. He averaged 13.4 factors and seven.9 rebounds, and contributed six double doubles in his rookie marketing campaign. Freeman had a career-best 24 factors in a win over UAlbany.

Syracuse opens its common season on Monday, Nov. 3, towards Binghamton within the JMA Wireless Dome.

Fans can assist their favourite participant by taking part in Fan Voting beginning Friday, Oct. 31. In late January, the watch listing of 20 gamers for the 2026 Karl Malone Award will probably be narrowed to 10, after which in late February, to 5. In March, the 5 finalists will probably be offered to Malone and the Hall of Fame’s choice committees, and winners will probably be chosen. The Selection Committee for the Karl Malone Award consists of prime males’s school basketball personnel, together with media members, head coaches, sports activities data administrators and Hall of Famer members.

The winner of the 2026 Karl Malone Award will probably be offered on a to-be-determined date, together with the opposite 4 members of the Men’s Starting Five. Additional awards being offered embody 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 extra data on the 2026 Karl Malone and Katrina McClain Awards and the most recent updates, go to 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 manner onto the listing at any level within the 2025-26 season.