NEW YORK - UConn's Na'jai Hines and Keyshawn Hall of St. John's were named to the preseason watchlist for the 2027 Karl Malone Award - presented annually to the top power forward in NCAA Division I men’s college basketball. 

Hines was named to the 2026-27 preseason All-BIG EAST second team.  The five-star ranked transfer from Seton Hall led the BIG EAST in blocks last season as a freshman (2.2) and was 25th most impactful center in the country in 2025-26 per EvanMiya’s BPR (Bayesian Performance Rating).  During the 2025-26 season, Hines averaged 6.5 points and 5.5 rebounds in 18.0 minutes per game in 31 games.  The 6-10 sophomore shot 60.2 percent from the field and blocked 69 shots. 

Hall joined the Red Storm as a graduate transfer after an outstanding 2025-26 campaign at Auburn.  Last season, the 6-7 forward was tabbed as an All-SEC third team selection after averaging 19.3 points and 7.1 rebounds per game - good for fifth in the league in scoring and eighth in rebounding.  He also connected on 45.1% of his attempts from the floor, 37.9% from 3-point range and 85.7% from the charity stripe.

Fans are encouraged to participate in Fan Voting in each of the three rounds starting on Friday, October 30. In February, the watch list of 20 players for the 2027 Karl Malone Award will be narrowed to 10, then to five in March. In late March, the five finalists will be presented to Cousy and the Hall of Fame’s selection committees, where the winner will be selected. The selection committees for the Bob Cousy Award are composed of top college basketball personnel, including media members, head coaches, sports information directors, and Hall of Famers. 

The winners of the 2027 Karl Malone Award will be presented on a to-be-determined date, along with the four other members of the Men’s Starting Five. Additional men's basketball awards being presented include the Bob Cousy Award (Point Guard), Jerry West Award (Shooting Guard), Julius Erving Award (Small Forward), and the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award (Center). 

The BIG EAST has been well-represented on the Hoop Hall Starting Five watchlists.  
Bob Cousy Award:  Silas Demary Jr. (UConn); Nigel James Jr. (Marquette); Quinn Ellis (St. John's)  
Jerry West Award: Braylon Mullins (UConn); Miles Byrd (Providence); Tyler Perkins (Villanova)
Julius Erving Award: Colben Landrew (UConn); Tounde Yessoufou (St. John's)
Karl Malone Award: Na'jai Hines (UConn); Keyshawn Hall (St. John's)