NCAA Basketball: Ranking the 10 finalists for 2020-21 Karl Malone Award

Jan 23, 2021; Spokane, Washington, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Drew Timme (2) brings the ball down court during a game against the Pacific Tigers in the first half of a WCC men’s basketball game at McCarthey Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /

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NCAA Basketball Aamir Simms Clemson Tigers (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /

One of five annual awards based on positions, the Karl Malone Award is presented by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and given to the best power forward in NCAA Basketball. Last season, it was Dayton Flyer superstar Obi Toppin that was given the honor.

This season, there isn’t a clear cut player at the lead for the award. But there have been several power forward putting up great numbers for their respective teams. Here’s a look at the 10 finalists for the Karl Malone Award, along with an opinion-based ranking of who is most likely to win it.

10. SR Aamir Simms – Clemson Tigers

2020-21 stats: 12.0 ppg 5.9 rpg 2.0 apg

Although he has a pair of 20+ point games, Simms isn’t the kind of stat-stuffer that others are on this list. He may actually be the best individual defender of the 10, along with being a quality passer. He’s the leader of a Clemson squad that’s been in and out of the top-25 and well on their way to making the 2021 NCAA Tournament.

Simms’ issue has been consistency, having three games of single-digit scoring in the last five, two of them ending up in defeats. The Tigers don’t have much offense outside of him so Simms has to become more of an offensive force for the team to reach its potential.

9. FR Greg Brown – Texas Longhorns

2020-21 states: 11.9 ppg 8.0 rpg 1.3 bpg

After a slow start (for five-star prospect standards), Brown had a three-game stretch of at least 17 points, including a season-high 24 points and 14 rebounds in a victory over Oklahoma State. He’s become a consistent double-digit producer and two-way player overall and has been the missing power forward piece for the top-10 Longhorns.

If it wasn’t for the talented surrounding perimeter players and Kai Jones excelling at the center position, Brown probably would be in a better spot to put up more stats. However, the team wouldn’t look like a Final Four contender as they do now. But the fact that he’s among the top-10 shows the kind of impact Brown has had as a freshman.

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