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Freshmen Dominate Wooden Award Watchlist
8 Jan
Summary
- Cameron Boozer and AJ Dybantsa lead the Wooden Award midseason list.
- Several top freshmen are also battling injuries this season.
- Veteran players like Braden Smith are strong contenders for the award.
Freshmen phenoms Cameron Boozer of Duke and AJ Dybantsa of BYU are leading the charge on the men's Wooden Award midseason top 25 watchlist, released on January 8, 2026. Boozer boasts impressive scoring and rebounding numbers, while Dybantsa has delivered an extraordinary offensive stretch in recent games, showcasing his all-around talent. Both are considered top prospects for the 2026 NBA draft.
This year's list also highlights other highly-touted freshmen, including Caleb Wilson of North Carolina, Kansas' Darryn Peterson, and Louisville's Mikel Brown Jr. However, Peterson and Brown Jr. have faced challenges with lingering injuries, impacting their playing time early in the season. These five freshmen collectively represent the top of ESPN's 2026 NBA draft big board.
Beyond the promising newcomers, established college veterans are also vying for the award. Purdue's Braden Smith, a preseason favorite and last season's All-American, leads the nation in assists and is on pace to break Division I records. Iowa State's Joshua Jefferson and Michigan's Yaxel Lendeborg have also emerged as strong contenders with their consistent performances for their undefeated and top-ranked teams, respectively.
