The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame has revealed its Mid-Season Top 10 candidates for the prestigious 2026 Julius Erving Award, which is awarded annually to the best small forward in college basketball. USC Men’s Basketball standout, Baker-Mazara, has earned a spot on this elite list, showcasing his impressive season.
Baker-Mazara has established himself as a key player for the Trojans, leading the team with an average of 18.3 points per game. His consistent performance has seen him finish in double figures for all but three games this season, including nine matches where he scored 20 points or more, with two of those games seeing him exceed the 30-point mark. In addition to his scoring prowess, he is contributing 4.2 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game over the course of 23 games. His remarkable skills earned him the Maui Invitational MVP title, and he currently ranks first in the Big Ten for free throw percentage and fourth in total points.
Starting February 6, fans will have the opportunity to cast their votes for their favorite candidates at hoophallawards.com. This Fan Vote will serve as one committee vote during the selection process, as the Mid-Season Top 10 list is set to be narrowed down to five finalists.
For further details on the award and the voting process, fans can visit hoopshallawards.com. The excitement surrounding this recognition highlights not only individual talent but also the competitive spirit of college basketball, providing an optimistic outlook as the season progresses.