PROVO — BYU senior forward Yoeli Childs has been named a top 10 candidate for a prestigious honor with distinct ties to the Beehive State — the 2020 Karl Malone Power Forward of the Year Award.
Malone, the former Utah Jazz superstar, was named to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010 and was a two-time NBA Most Valuable Player.
The award, which is in its sixth year, recognizes the top power forwards in college basketball. A committee of college basketball personnel put together the watch list of 20 candidates in October, which has been whittled to 10.
“The young men in this top ten list should be extremely proud and motivated as they continue their efforts this season,” said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Basketball Hall of Fame. “Karl Malone was an exemplary player who brought his best every game and we have been pleased to see a similar effort from these student athletes. It’s a joy to see the passion Mr. Malone has for selecting the athletes who win this esteemed annual award.”
Childs, who is averaging 21 points and nine rebounds per game and is shooting 61 percent from the floor and 56.5 percent from 3-point range, was also recently named a finalist for the 2019-20 Senior CLASS Award.
Childs, a native of South Jordan, ranks No. 8 all-time in scoring and No. 2 in rebounding in BYU history.
In addition to Childs, the other candidates for the Karl Malone Award are Zeke Nnaji, Arizona; Tyler Bey, Colorado; Obi Toppin, Dayton; Killian Tillie, Gonzaga; Jalen Smith, Maryland; Xavier Tillman, Michigan State; Reggie Perry, Mississippi State; John Mooney, Notre Dame; and Hasahn French, Saint Louis.
Past winners of the Karl Malone Power Forward of the Year Award include Zion Williamson, Duke (2019). Deandre Ayton, Arizona (2018), Johnathan Motley, Baylor (2017), Georges Niang, Iowa State (2016) and Montrezl Harrell, Louisville (2015).
Starting Five Fan Voting Presented by Dell Technologies will go live Feb. 7 via hoophallawards.com.
In March, five finalists will be presented to Malone and the Hall of Fame’s selection committee. The winner of the 2020 Karl Malone Award will be presented at The College Basketball Awards presented by Wendy’s in Los Angeles April 10, along with the other four members of the Men’s Starting Five.