Chambana Sun

Fighting Illini forward Kendall Bostic has been recognized as one of the top 10 candidates for the Katrina McClain Award, announced by the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. This accolade honors the best power forward in women's NCAA Division I basketball.

Bostic is one of two Big Ten players on this list. In her final collegiate season, she averages 16 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. She holds a program record for career rebounds at Illinois and ranks third in the Big Ten's all-time boards list.

Bostic's performance includes shooting 53% from the field and achieving 49 career double-doubles with Illinois. She has also received other accolades such as Big Ten Player of the Week and AP Player of the Week Honorable Mention.

This marks a first for Illinois, as Bostic is their inaugural player to be named a top 10 candidate for any Naismith Starting Five award. The McClain Award celebrates Katrina McClain's legacy, honoring an outstanding power forward annually.

Fans can participate in voting starting February 7 on hoophallawards.com. The Top 10 will be narrowed to five finalists in March before presenting them to a selection committee composed of basketball experts.

The winner will be announced alongside other Men's and Women's Starting Five honorees on a date yet to be determined.

Previous recipients include Kiki Iriafen (2024), Maddy Siegrist (2023), NaLyssa Smith (2021-22), Ruthy Hebard (2018, '20), and Napheesa Collier (2019).