Alabama’s Nelson, Auburn’s Broome Named to Karl Malone Watch List

Alabama’s Grant Nelson and Auburn’s Johni Broome are among 20 candidates for the Karl Malone Award, which recognizes the best power forward in men’s college basketball annually. The award is named after former Louisiana Tech and Basketball Hall of Famer Karl Malone, who played for 18 seasons with the Utah Jazz and retired after the 2003-04 season.

Past winners of the award include Indiana’s Trayce Jackson-Davis (2023), Duke’s Zion Williamson (2019), and Deandre Ayton (2018).

Photo by UA Athletics

Grant Nelson Notes

Nelson is a 6’11”, 230 lb. forward from Devils Lake, ND. Nelson transferred to Alabama from North Dakota State.

– Nelson was voted Preseason Second Team All-SEC by both coaches and media in 2024..

– Was named to the 2024 NCAA West Region All-Tournament Team.

– Averaged 11.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.6 blocks per game last season.

– Led UA in rebounds (217) and ranked No. 15 in the SEC in rebounds per game.

– Posted a team-best 60 blocks last season, which ranked fourth in the SEC.

– Became the first player since Kevin Love (UCLA) in 2008 and first SEC player since Joakim Noah (Florida) in 2006 to record 20 points, 10 rebounds and 4-plus blocks in a Sweet 16 game or later with 24 points, 12 rebounds and 5 blocks in Alabama’s Sweet 16 win over North Carolina.

– Scored double-figures in 22 games, including a season-high 24 points on March 28 vs. North Carolina and in the season opener against Morehead State on Nov. 6.

Photo by David Gray/Auburn Tigers

Johni Broome Notes

Broome is a 6’10”, 240 lb. senior from Plant City, Fla. Broome transferred to Auburn from Morehead State.

– In 2023-24, he became the 14th player in Auburn basketball’s 118-year history to be named an All-American (was named consensus third team by The Associated Press, NABC, USBWA and The Sporting News).

– Was named 2023 SEC Tournament MVP, becoming the fourth player in program history to garner such honors, next to Charles Barkley, Chuck Person and Bryce Brown.

– Was a 2024 All-SEC First Team selection, SEC All-Defensive Team, and NABC All-District First Team.

– Was named to the SEC Academic Honor roll.

– Became the 40th player in program history to gain entrance into the 1,000-Career Point Club.

– Averaged 16.5 points per game, 8.5 rebounds per game, and 2.2 assists per game last season.  

Fans are encouraged to participate in Fan Voting presented by Dell Technologies in each of the three rounds. The player who receives the most votes will earn an additional vote from the selection committee. The list will be narrowed down from 20 to 10 in early February, with plans to announce the five finalists in March. The winner will be announced at the Final Four in San Antonio, TX.  

Nelson and Broome are the only SEC players on the list. TG

For a complete list of nominees, please visit https://www.hoophallawards.com/malone.php

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