Chambana Sun

The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame has announced the 20 candidates for the 2025 Karl Malone Award. This award recognizes the top power forwards in Division I men's college basketball. Among those named is Illini freshman Will Riley, one of only two freshmen on the list, alongside Syracuse's Donnie Freeman. Riley joins three other Big Ten players: Indiana's Malik Reneau, Maryland's Julian Reese, and Washington's Great Osobor.

Riley hails from Kitchener, Ontario, and was a five-star recruit before joining Illinois as a freshman this season. He is noted as the highest-ranked recruit signed by Illinois in the internet era. Previously at The Phelps School in Malvern, Pennsylvania, Riley averaged 26.5 points per game last season.

The Karl Malone Award celebrates its 11th year and is named after Class of 2010 Hall of Famer and two-time NBA MVP Karl Malone. The Katrina McClain Award recognizes top power forwards in women's NCAA Division I college basketball and is named after two-time All-American Katrina McClain.

Fans can participate in voting starting November 1. The list will be narrowed to ten players in January and five finalists in February. Winners will be selected by selection committees composed of college basketball personnel.

For more information on these awards, visit hoophallawards.com or follow @hoophallu on social media platforms.