Akron Zips basketball forward Enrique Freeman named finalist for 2024 Karl Malone Award

Ben Leibowitz, Akron Beacon Journal
Akron Zips forward Enrique Freeman (25) celebrates with head coach John Groce as the Zips lead late in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against the Bradley Braves, Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023, in Akron, Ohio.
Akron Zips forward Enrique Freeman (25) celebrates with head coach John Groce as the Zips lead late in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against the Bradley Braves, Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023, in Akron, Ohio.

Akron Zips men's basketball forward Enrique Freeman is among the finalists for the 2024 Karl Malone Award, and UA fans can vote for him starting Friday.

The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame announced five finalists for the award, which recognizes the top power forwards in Division I men's college basketball.

Heading into Akron's regular-season finale Friday at Western Michigan, Freeman is averaging 18.2 points, 12.9 rebounds and 1.6 blocks — all three of those figures lead the Zips.

Freeman has converted 58.7% of his field-goal attempts, 36.6% of his 3-point attempts and 72.6% of his free throws this season.

Among the four other finalists for the award is a second player who plays in the state of Ohio.

Who are the 2024 Karl Malone Award finalists for men's college basketball?

Akron Zips forward Enrique Freeman shoots over Kent State center Cli'Ron Hornbeak (42) and guard Tyem Freeman (22) during the first half, Friday, Feb. 23, 2024.
Akron Zips forward Enrique Freeman shoots over Kent State center Cli'Ron Hornbeak (42) and guard Tyem Freeman (22) during the first half, Friday, Feb. 23, 2024.

  • Enrique Freeman, Akron Zips

  • DaRon Holmes II, Dayton Flyers

  • Kyle Filipowski, Duke Blue Devils

  • Jaedon LeDee, San Diego State Aztecs

  • Great Osobor, Utah State Aggies

Fan voting for the 2024 Karl Malone Award will help determine the winner

Zips fans can support Freeman when fan voting starts Friday, March 8.

Fans can vote at hoophallawards.com.

The fan vote will ultimately count as one committee vote during the final selection process to determine the award winner.

Previous winners of the Karl Malone Award in men's college basketball include Cavs' Georges Niang

Cleveland Cavaliers' Jarrett Allen (31) smiles with Georges Niang (20) during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Milwaukee Bucks, Friday, Jan. 26, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)
Cleveland Cavaliers' Jarrett Allen (31) smiles with Georges Niang (20) during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Milwaukee Bucks, Friday, Jan. 26, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)

The following players won the Karl Malone Award in years past:

  • Trayce Jackson-Davis, Indiana, 2023

  • Keegan Murray, Iowa, 2022

  • Drew Timme, Gonzaga, 2021

  • Obi Toppin, Dayton, 2020

  • Zion Williamson, Duke, 2019

  • Deandre Ayton, Arizona, 2018

  • Johnathan Motley, Baylor, 2017

  • Georges Niang, Iowa State, 2016

  • Montrezl Harrell, Louisville, 2015

Who are the finalists for the 2024 Katrina McClain Award in women's college basketball?

Jan 25, 2024; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Lady Tigers forward Angel Reese warms up before a game against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Pete Maravich Assembly Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 25, 2024; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Lady Tigers forward Angel Reese warms up before a game against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Pete Maravich Assembly Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-USA TODAY Sports

For the women's power forward of the year honors, the following players earned nominations:

  • Yvonne Ejim, Gonzaga Bulldogs

  • Angel Reese, LSU Tigers

  • Kiki Iriafen, Stanford Cardinal

  • Aaliyah Edwards, UConn Huskies

  • Alissa Pili, Utah Utes

When will the college basketball awards be announced?

The winners of the 2024 Karl Malone and Katrina McClain awards honoring the best power forwards in the country will be presented on a date to be determined with the other four members of the men's and women's starting five and their respective awards.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron Zips' Enrique Freeman nominated for 2024 Karl Malone Award

Advertisement