UCLA's Kevon Looney on watch list for 2015 Karl Malone Power Forward of the Year Award

The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced the sixteen watch list members for the 2015 Karl Malone Power Forward of the Year Award, with local UCLA freshman standout Kevon Looney included among the top names.

Named after Hall of Famer and two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Karl Malone, the annual honor in its inaugural year recognizes the top power forwards in Division I men’s college basketball.  A national committee comprised of top college basketball personnel determined the watch list.

“I’m grateful to be a part of this prestigious award,” said Karl Malone, a 2010 inductee of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.  “To be recognized by the Basketball Hall of Fame is an honor and each of the fifteen power forwards on this list is very deserving.”

Karl Malone attended Louisiana Tech University due to its close proximity to his hometown of Summerfield, Louisiana. He led the Bulldogs to a Sweet 16 appearance and earned All-Southland honors in his three seasons while averaging 18.7 points and 9.3 rebounds per game. Malone achieved great success during his 19 seasons in the NBA as a 14-time NBA All-Star (1988-98, 2000-02), 11-time All-NBA First Team player (1989-99) and a member of the NBA’s 50th Anniversary All-Time Team. He also won two Olympic gold medals (1992, 1996).

“2015 marks the first year the Basketball Hall of Fame will recognize the top players in all positions in men’s college basketball,” said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Basketball Hall of Fame.  “When it comes to power forwards who have had a drastic impact on the game, Karl Malone is at the top of the list. In terms of consistent play, “The Mailman” always delivered and we are delighted to include him in this recognition of the best power forwards in the game today.”

By early March, the current list of 16 finalists for the 2015 Karl Malone Award will be narrowed down to five players.  The final five players in contention for the award will be presented to Mr. Malone and the Hall of Fame’s selection committee.  The winner of the 2015 Karl Malone Award will be presented at ESPN’s new College Basketball Awards from Club Nokia in Los Angeles on Friday, April 10, 2015.

2015 Karl Malone Award Candidates

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, University of Arizona
Justin Moss, University at Buffalo
Kevon Looney, UCLA
Kyle Wiltjer, Gonzaga University
David Laury, Iona College
Aaron White, University of Iowa
Georges Niang, Iowa State University
Perry Ellis, University of Kansas
Jordan Mickey, Louisiana State University
Montrezl Harrell, University of Louisville
Jake Layman, University of Maryland
Christian Wood, UNLV
Seth Tuttle, University of Northern Iowa
Myles Turner, University of Texas
Larry Nance Jr., University of Wyoming
Rico Gathers, Baylor University

By Staff of TheDailySportsHerald.com and news services