Kansas Jayhawks Forward Keanu Dawes On the Watch List
· Yahoo Sports
Kansas Jayhawks forward Keanu Dawes continues to collect preseason recognition ahead of the 2026-27 college basketball season after being named to the Karl Malone Power Forward of the Year Top 20 Preseason Watch List. The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced the selection Thursday, Oct. 29, giving the Kansas senior another opportunity to receive national recognition heading into his first season in Lawrence.
Dawes is one of 20 players selected for the preseason watch list, which recognizes some of the top power forwards in Division I men's college basketball. The award is named after NBA Hall of Famer Karl Malone, who enjoyed an outstanding professional career and won two NBA Most Valuable Player awards.
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According to the official Kansas Athletics announcement, Dawes joins an impressive group of players from around the country competing for the honor.
The Houston native enters the season as a senior after transferring to Kansas from Utah last summer. During his final season with the Utes, Dawes started all 32 games and averaged 12.5 points and 8.8 rebounds per contest. His rebounding average ranked fourth in the Big 12, demonstrating his ability to make an impact on the glass against quality competition.
Dawes also recorded 11 double-doubles last season, showing his consistency as both a scorer and rebounder. One of his strongest performances came against Kansas on Feb. 7, when he recorded 22 points and 12 rebounds against the Jayhawks.
Now wearing a Kansas uniform, Dawes brings valuable experience to head coach Bill Self's frontcourt. His ability to rebound, score around the basket and contribute defensively gives Kansas another important option as it prepares for a challenging schedule.
The recognition also highlights the expectations surrounding Kansas' frontcourt this season. Dawes will have an opportunity to play alongside experienced players and help establish a physical presence in the paint. His rebounding ability could be particularly important as the Jayhawks compete against some of the strongest frontcourts in the country.
The Karl Malone Award is entering its 13th season. The watch list will be narrowed to 10 players in February before five finalists are selected in March. The winner will be chosen by a committee consisting of college basketball personnel, media members, coaches and Hall of Famers.
Dawes is also one of six Big 12 players represented on the preseason list, highlighting the conference's talent at the power forward position.
For Kansas, having Dawes recognized nationally adds another positive storyline heading into the regular season. The Jayhawks have championship expectations, and his experience could become an important part of their success.
Dawes now has an opportunity to turn the preseason recognition into an award-worthy season while helping Kansas compete for another Big 12 championship.
Kansas opens its regular season against Fordham on Nov. 2 at Allen Fieldhouse. JayhawksRoundtable.