The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced the 20 players named to the 2026 Bob Cousy Award Watch List, honoring the top point guard in men’s college basketball. The award, established in 2004 and named after Boston Celtics legend Bob Cousy, recognizes leadership, playmaking, and on-court excellence.
Purdue’s Braden Smith, last year’s winner, looks to make history as the first-ever back-to-back recipient. But he’ll face fierce competition from an elite field, including Kansas freshman Darryn Peterson, who’s already drawing national attention after a dazzling preseason debut.
North Carolina and UConn have each produced three past winners, the most of any program, while Illinois and Villanova each have two. Previous honorees like Kemba Walker, Ja Morant, Jalen Brunson, and Ayo Dosunmu have gone on to strong NBA careers, cementing the award’s legacy as a launching pad for basketball greatness.
Fan voting for the 2026 Cousy Award opens October 31, with the list narrowing to 10 players in January, five finalists in February, and the winner announced in March alongside the other members of the Men’s Starting Five Awards.
2026 Bob Cousy Award Watch List (Alphabetically by School
Labaron Philon – Alabama Crimson Tide
A smooth-scoring sophomore with elite vision, Philon anchors Alabama’s uptempo offense and enters the season as one of the SEC’s top playmakers.
Darius Acuff – Arkansas Razorbacks
The dynamic freshman guard brings scoring and creativity to John Calipari’s new-look Razorbacks.
Tahaad Pettiford – Auburn Tigers
One of Stephen Pearl’s most explosive guards in years, Pettiford combines speed and flair with a natural feel for distributing.
Robert Wright III – BYU Cougars
Wright has quickly emerged as a steady leader in the Big 12, guiding BYU’s offense with poise beyond his years.
Boogie Fland – Florida Gators
A former five-star recruit, Fland gives Florida another high-level creator capable of taking over late in games.
Milos Uzan – Houston Cougars
Uzan’s experience and efficiency make him the perfect floor general for Kelvin Sampson’s tough, defensive-minded Cougars.
Bennett Stirtz – Iowa Hawkeyes
The transfer guard has impressed with his shot selection and command. Now the new leader of the Hawkeyes’ motion-heavy attack.
Tamin Lipsey – Iowa State Cyclones
A proven Big 12 veteran, Lipsey is one of the toughest guards in the country and a key part of Iowa State’s defensive identity.
Darryn Peterson – Kansas Jayhawks
The freshman phenom and Preseason Big 12 Player of the Year headlines this year’s list after a 26-point exhibition debut. Peterson brings scoring power, court vision, and elite poise to Bill Self’s backcourt.
Jaland Lowe – Kentucky Wildcats
Lowe steps into a featured role for the Wildcats, combining speed and ball-handling with improving three-point range.