Every season of college basketball brings new memories and unforgettable moments into the long history book of this sport. Even though we haven’t yet reached March and the postseason, this season is already providing some unforgettable names and performances. We’re considering some of those names by looking at the best power forwards in the nation.
This comes right as the Karl Malone Award has released their midseason watch list, highlighting ten of the very best active players at power forward. We’ll take a brief moment considering each of the players included and try to determine just who’s the most deserving for this prestigious honor.
10. Koa Peat (Arizona)
This season has seen Peat certainly prove his preseason billing as Top 10 recruit. The freshman has been a significant part of Arizona’s perfect start to the season, averaging 14.8 points and 5.6 rebounds per game as an important asset in that frontcourt. Peat has put up some memorable performances and is a strong presence, currently sitting 4th in the Big 12 in field goal percentage while impacting the game on multiple levels.
9. Trey Kaufman-Renn (Purdue)
Last year really showed Kaufman-Renn’s full potential for the Boilermakers. Even though his numbers have taken a step back this season, he’s still one of the nation’s top forwards, putting up 12.8 points and 8.4 rebounds per game. Kaufman-Renn plays important minutes in the paint for an efficient and effective Purdue offense and has made just under 57% of his field goal attempts to date.
8. Alex Karaban (Connecticut)
A two-time national champion, Karaban is putting on a strong show in his senior season and looking to lead the Huskies to the title one more time. He’s averaging 13.3 points and 5.6 rebounds per game and remains a leader for UConn. Karaban has put up great numbers across the board, including a 41% mark from outside the arc, while his availability has been vital as he leads the Big East in minutes played.
7. Malik Reneau (Miami)
After some brilliant work at Indiana in recent years, Reneau found a new home this past offseason with the Hurricanes and has really thrived as a senior. He’s produced at the highest level of his career with 19.9 points and 6.4 rebounds per game while making 62% of his shots inside the arc. Reneau is a major reason why Miami is in good shape to reach the NCAA Tournament with several 20-point performances and solid showings.
6. Graham Ike (Gonzaga)
A Gonzaga forward making these kinds of lists seems right and Ike has defended that with incredible play again this season. He’s working hard out there for the Bulldogs as the WCC’s top scorer, averaging 19.0 points and 8.6 rebounds per game while making 59% of his 2-pointers and a decent clip from beyond the arc. Ike is an unquestionable leader when he’s been available and has been a double-double machine when on his game.
5. Joshua Jefferson (Iowa State)
This has been a stellar career for Jefferson, especially his early work at Saint Mary’s, but he’s making sure his second year with Iowa State is one that people remember. Not only is he playing a major leadership role for a Top 10 team, he’s putting up 17.3 points and 7.8 rebounds per game for the best numbers of his career. He’s dynamic from outside the arc (41% in limited opportunities) and is less than a month removed from a pair of triple-double performances.
4. Yaxel Lendeborg (Michigan)
Lendeborg won a pair of defensive honors while playing at UAB in the AAC but he’s hoping everyone remembers him because of his work with these Wolverines. His final collegiate effort has been quite effective, putting up 14.7 points and 7.2 rebounds on an elite Michigan team. Lendeborg is a phenomenal scorer and defender and just put up 26 points in a road win at Michigan State a few days ago. The numbers don’t stand out as much as last season but you can blame a more talented roster around him.
3. Caleb Wilson (North Carolina)
One brief look at Wilson and North Carolina’s play this season and you can identify the importance he plays for the Tar Heels. The former Top 5 recruit is averaging 20.0 points and 9.8 rebounds per game. Wilson is one of the best true rebounders in the ACC, leads the conference in 2-point field goals, and makes his presence known all over the court. He’s been very effective during the Tar Heels’ recent winning streak and is vital to their success the rest of the season.
2. JT Toppin (Texas Tech)
A Second Team All-American last season, Toppin is somehow putting up even better figures for a Texas Tech team looking to back national headlines again. Toppin averages 21.8 points and 10.6 rebounds per game and currently stands as the Big 12’s top rebounder. He actually leads the nation in field goals made and has a profound impact on the Red Raiders on both sides of the ball, with very solid blocked shot and steal numbers as well.
1. Cameron Boozer (Duke)
Seeing another standout prospect really shine at Duke shouldn’t surprise anyone as Boozer as met lofty expectations. The 5-star averages 23.3 points and 9.9 rebounds per game, leading the ACC in both categories. Boozer is an impressive presence on the court, leads the nation in several efficiency metrics, and also has pretty gaudy assist numbers for a power forward. Right now he’s simply the best at this position and his impact on this Duke squad is pretty strong evidence.