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 Matthew Hurt Duke Blue Devils (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

8. SO Jeremiah Robinson-Earl – Villanova Wildcats

2020-21 stats: 14.8 ppg 6.7 rpg 1.9 apg

Covid has hit the Wildcats hard, putting them on pause until the past week. The forward was still getting back into gear, scoring in single-digits to lower his season average a bit. But it still doesn’t take away from the tremendous impact Robinson-Earl has had overall, including 28 points in a win over Arizona State and 25 to beat St. John’s.

If Villanova can stay on the court for the rest of the regular season, Robinson-Earl has a chance to rise up the ladder. The team is ranked No. 3 in the county and will be the favorite to win the rest of the Big East games. He’ll just have to get back to putting up 20+ point performances going forward.

7. SO Matthew Hurt – Duke Blue Devils

2020-21 stats: 19.2 ppg 8.0 rpg 1.2 apg

The tragedy of the Blue Devils struggles this season is that it has taken away the breakout season from Hurt. He’s gone from sometimes coming off the bench and struggling to have an impact to be the clear-cut go-to scorer for Duke. He’s shooting nearly 46% from three-point range and can score anywhere.

If the Blue Devils were a top-10 team, Hurt would have a great chance to win this award. But like his chances at winning the ACC Player of the Year Award, the team needs to get into gear and back towards contender status. They’ll need Hurt to continue being a star for that to happen.

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