Razorbacks' Trevon Brazile One of 20 on 'Malone' List

Author:
Andy Hodges
Publish date:
Oct 26, 2023 2:47 PM EDT

In this story:

FAYETTEVILLE – Arkansas redshirt sophomore Trevon Brazile was one of 20 players on the initial Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame watch list for the 2024 Karl Malone Award. He is one of three SEC players to be named to the list. Maybe most importantly, the fans can vote on this one.

Named after Class of 2010 Hall of Famer and two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Karl Malone, the annual honor, in its 10th year, recognizes the top power forwards in Division I men’s college basketball. A national committee determined the watch list of 20 candidates. Others from the SEC on the list include Grant Nelson of Alabama and Tolu Smith from Mississippi State.

“We are proud to recognize this group of student-athletes as the best power forwards in the collegiate game this season,” said John L. Doleva, president and CEO of the Hall of Fame. “To be named to the watchlist of the Karl Malone Award is a great honor, and we are excited to have Karl’s unique perspective alongside our selection committee each year.”

Brazile, who was voted preseason first team All-SEC, played just nine games last season before suffering a season-ending knee injury. He averaged 11.8 points, 6.0 rebounds and was the team’s leading 3-point shooter at 37.9 percent (11-of-29).

In his eight-plus games played, Brazile led the team in rebounding five times and blocked shots four times. He recorded his first two career double-doubles with 21 points and 12 rebounds versus North Dakota State and posting 13 and 10 versus South Dakota State. At the Maui Invitational, Brazile led Arkansas to an overtime win over San Diego State by scoring 20 points and grabbing nine rebounds.

He scored 18 of his 20 after halftime, including 16 in the second half (4-of-7 FG • 3-of-4 3-pointers • 5-of-6 free throws) and tied his career high with two steals, one coming with Arkansas down two with seven seconds left to set-up the game-tying basket. In his final full game played, Brazile scored 23 points in a win over San Jose State, making 8-of-9 shots from the field.

Fans are encouraged to participate in Fan Voting, presented by Dell Technologies, in each of the three rounds, starting Friday. In late January, the watch list of 20 players for the 2024 Jerry West Award will be narrowed to 10, and then in late February, to just five. In March, the five finalists will be presented to West and the Hall of Fame’s selection committee, where a winner will be selected.

The winner of the 2024 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), Julius Erving Award (Small Forward), Karl Malone Award (Power Forward), and the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award (Center).

2024 Karl Malone Award Candidates*

• Adem Bona, UCLA

• Alex Karaban, UConn

• Bryce Hopkins, Providence

• Coleman Hawkins, Illinois

• DaRon Holmes II, Dayton

• Drew Pember, UNC-Asheville

• Enrique Freeman, Akron

• Fousseyni Traore, BYU

• Graham Ike, Gonzaga

• Grant Nelson, Alabama

• J'Wan Roberts, Houston