This season’s college basketball landscape is shaping up to be a fierce competition for the Wooden Award. A fresh cohort of decorated freshmen and returning All-Americans have set the stage for an exhilarating race for the National Player of the Year title.
Boozer, Peterson, and Dybantsa Lead Wooden Award Watchlist
The Wooden Award Preseason Top 50 Watchlist, revealed recently, highlights standout talents. Among the top three projections for the 2026 NBA Draft are:
- Darryn Peterson (Kansas)
- AJ Dybantsa (BYU)
- Cameron Boozer (Duke)
Freshman Impact
Notably, this year’s watchlist features nine freshmen, an increase of four from last season. Peterson, a 6-foot-6 wing, has been impressive, scoring 21 points during an exhibition game against Louisville. His performance against North Carolina also showcased his scoring ability with 22 points. However, he will miss the upcoming game against Duke due to a hamstring injury.
Dybantsa scored 25 points in a narrow loss against UConn, while Boozer, a two-time Gatorade National Player of the Year, is currently averaging:
- 22.5 points per game (PPG)
- 10.3 rebounds per game (RPG)
- 4.3 assists per game (APG)
Veterans Competing for the Award
The race is not limited to newcomers. Veterans like Braden Smith from Purdue, the preseason favorite, lead the charts. He heads a team currently ranked No. 1 nationally. Smith’s teammates include:
- Trey Kaufman-Renn (18.0 PPG, 15.0 RPG)
- P.J. Haggerty (Kansas State)
- JT Toppin (Texas Tech)
Purdue has a strong history, as Zach Edey won the Wooden Award in back-to-back years in 2023 and 2024. Duke holds a unique record, capturing three Wooden Awards within four years.
The New Wave of Fresh Talents
The rising stars this season include:
- Koa Peat (Arizona) – A key player in defeating Florida, the defending national champions.
- Caleb Wilson (North Carolina) – His performance has contributed to a team resurgence this season.
- Darius Acuff Jr. (Arkansas)
- Nate Ament (Tennessee)
- Mikel Brown Jr. (Louisville)
As the season progresses, players can be added or removed from the watchlist. Notably, freshmen Meleek Thomas from Arkansas (17.8 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 4.8 APG) and Kingston Flemings from Houston (17.3 PPG, 40% three-point shooting) are anticipated to push for their own recognitions.
The quest for the Wooden Award promises to keep fans engaged throughout the season as emerging talents vie for the prestigious honor.
