University of Minnesota Athletics
Photo by: Kelly Lynn
10/29/2026 11:55:00 AM | Men's Basketball
University of Minnesota standout Jaylen Crocker-Johnson (San Antonio, Texas) has been named to the 2027 Karl Malone Award preseason watch list, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame announced today. Crocker-Johnson is one of five Big Ten athletes to make the list.
The annual Karl Malone Award, named after the Class of 2010 Hall of Famer and two-time NBA Most Valuable Player, celebrates its 13th year by recognizing the top power forward in NCAA Division I men's college basketball.
Crocker-Johnson, a 6-foot-8 forward, returns to the Golden Gopher program for his second year after being the team's second-leading scorer last year. Crocker-Johnson averaged 13.4 points and started in 24 games last season before being sidelined with a foot injury. Crocker-Johnson also led the team in rebounding, averaging 6.8. Last year, Crocker-Johnson scored three double-doubles, five 20-point games, 19 double-figure games and four double-digit rebound games. In addition, Crocker-Johnson had 43 assists and shot .415 from the field.
Fans can support their favorite player by participating in Fan Voting starting Friday, October 30. In February, the watch list of 20 players for the 2027 Karl Malone Award will be narrowed to 10, then to five in March. In late March, the five finalists will be presented to the Hall of Fame's selection committees, which will select the winner. The selection committee includes top men's basketball personnel, including media members, head coaches, sports information directors, and Hall of Famers.
The winner of the 2027 Malone Award will be presented on a date to be determined, along with the other four members of the starting five. Additional awards being presented include the Bob Cousy Award (Point Guard), Jerry West Award (Shooting Guard), Julius Erving Award (Small Forward), and the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award (Center).
The Golden Gophers open the season on Monday, Nov. 2, when they host North Dakota. Game time is set for 8 p.m., and will be streamed on B1G+.
2027 Karl Malone Award Candidates*
Joaquim Boumtje Boumtje (Duke)
Alex Condon (Florida)
Jaylen Crocker-Johnson (Minnesota)
Keanu Dawes (Kansas)
Thijs De Ridder (Virginia)
Xavier Edmonds (TCU)
J.P. Estrella (Michigan)
Keyshawn Hall (St. John's)
Na'jai Hines (UConn)
Braden Huff (Gonzaga)
Jaxon Kohler (BYU)
David Mirkovic (Illinois)
Paulius Murauskas (Arizona State)
Miikka Muurinen (Arkansas)
Caden Pierce (Purdue)
David Punch (Texas)
Malik Reneau (Miami)
Aiden Sherrell (Indiana)
JT Toppin (Texas Tech)
Joseph Tugler (Houston)
*Players can play their way onto and off the list at any point in the 2026-27 season
About the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame
Located in Springfield, Massachusetts, the city where basketball was born, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame is an independent nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting, preserving, and celebrating the game of basketball at every level—men and women, amateur and professional players, coaches, and contributors worldwide. The Hall of Fame museum is home to nearly 500 inductees and over 40,000 square feet of basketball history. Welcoming close to 200,000 visitors each year, the museum invites fans to learn about the game, experience interactive exhibits, and test their skills on the Jerry Colangelo "Court of Dreams." Best known for its annual marquee Enshrinement Ceremony honoring the game's elite, the Hall of Fame also operates more than 100 high school and collegiate games annually throughout the country and abroad. For more information on the Basketball Hall of Fame organization, its museum, and events, visit hoophall.com or follow @hoophallu.
The annual Karl Malone Award, named after the Class of 2010 Hall of Famer and two-time NBA Most Valuable Player, celebrates its 13th year by recognizing the top power forward in NCAA Division I men's college basketball.
Crocker-Johnson, a 6-foot-8 forward, returns to the Golden Gopher program for his second year after being the team's second-leading scorer last year. Crocker-Johnson averaged 13.4 points and started in 24 games last season before being sidelined with a foot injury. Crocker-Johnson also led the team in rebounding, averaging 6.8. Last year, Crocker-Johnson scored three double-doubles, five 20-point games, 19 double-figure games and four double-digit rebound games. In addition, Crocker-Johnson had 43 assists and shot .415 from the field.
Fans can support their favorite player by participating in Fan Voting starting Friday, October 30. In February, the watch list of 20 players for the 2027 Karl Malone Award will be narrowed to 10, then to five in March. In late March, the five finalists will be presented to the Hall of Fame's selection committees, which will select the winner. The selection committee includes top men's basketball personnel, including media members, head coaches, sports information directors, and Hall of Famers.
The winner of the 2027 Malone Award will be presented on a date to be determined, along with the other four members of the starting five. Additional awards being presented include the Bob Cousy Award (Point Guard), Jerry West Award (Shooting Guard), Julius Erving Award (Small Forward), and the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award (Center).
The Golden Gophers open the season on Monday, Nov. 2, when they host North Dakota. Game time is set for 8 p.m., and will be streamed on B1G+.
2027 Karl Malone Award Candidates*
Joaquim Boumtje Boumtje (Duke)
Alex Condon (Florida)
Jaylen Crocker-Johnson (Minnesota)
Keanu Dawes (Kansas)
Thijs De Ridder (Virginia)
Xavier Edmonds (TCU)
J.P. Estrella (Michigan)
Keyshawn Hall (St. John's)
Na'jai Hines (UConn)
Braden Huff (Gonzaga)
Jaxon Kohler (BYU)
David Mirkovic (Illinois)
Paulius Murauskas (Arizona State)
Miikka Muurinen (Arkansas)
Caden Pierce (Purdue)
David Punch (Texas)
Malik Reneau (Miami)
Aiden Sherrell (Indiana)
JT Toppin (Texas Tech)
Joseph Tugler (Houston)
*Players can play their way onto and off the list at any point in the 2026-27 season
About the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame
Located in Springfield, Massachusetts, the city where basketball was born, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame is an independent nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting, preserving, and celebrating the game of basketball at every level—men and women, amateur and professional players, coaches, and contributors worldwide. The Hall of Fame museum is home to nearly 500 inductees and over 40,000 square feet of basketball history. Welcoming close to 200,000 visitors each year, the museum invites fans to learn about the game, experience interactive exhibits, and test their skills on the Jerry Colangelo "Court of Dreams." Best known for its annual marquee Enshrinement Ceremony honoring the game's elite, the Hall of Fame also operates more than 100 high school and collegiate games annually throughout the country and abroad. For more information on the Basketball Hall of Fame organization, its museum, and events, visit hoophall.com or follow @hoophallu.
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