Julius Erving Award Watch List (2025-26)

The following post features this year’s selections to the Julius Erving Award Watch List (2025-26).

Honoring the best at the position, the Julius Erving Award Watch List names the top small forwards heading into the 2025–26 men’s college basketball season.

Read: Jerry West Award Watch List (Best SGs)

Related: Karl Malone Award Watch List (Best PFs)

Some college basketball teams have an NBA-level SF capable of singlehandedly taking over the game. These are the SFs you need to know about when betting on college basketball.

So, who are the best SFs in 2025-26? Here’s what you need to know.

Overview

Cooper Flagg’s 2024-25 season was one of the most decorated freshman campaigns in history, confirming his generational talent. The Duke freshman won the Julius Erving Award as the nation’s top small forward after leading the Blue Devils in points (19.2), rebounds (7.5), assists (4.2), steals (1.4), and blocks (1.4) per game. Flagg was a Consensus First-Team All-American, the ACC Player and Rookie of the Year, and swept nearly every major national award. He became the youngest player in NCAA history to post a 40-point game and registered the first-ever NCAA Tournament performance with at least 30 points, seven assists, six rebounds, and three blocks. Flagg’s two-way dominance cemented him as one of only four freshmen in history to win the national player of the year award.

How the Award Works

Throughout the season, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame selection committee assesses the performance of the small forwards on the preseason watchlist. At mid-season, the committee narrows the candidates down to a smaller group of semifinalists before selecting the five finalists. The winner is chosen by a selection committee consisting of a mixture of media members and former Julius Erving Award winners.

Julius Erving Award Watch List (2025-26)

Below is a table displaying the players on the Julius Erving Award Watch List (2025-26). Click here for the official Julius Erving Award Watch List.

Player Spotlights

Chad Baker-Mazara (USC Trojans)

Baker-Mazara enters his final season as the most decorated senior in the race, looking to make a deep run with his new USC squad after transferring from Auburn. His case is built on proven major-conference production and high-efficiency scoring: he was a finalist for the Erving Award last season and an All-SEC Third Team member after averaging 12.3 points and 3.0 rebounds per game. He secured double-digit scoring in 25 games for an Auburn team that reached the Final Four. His primary goal is to become the veteran anchor for USC’s transition to the Big Ten, and if Baker-Mazara can maintain his near-40% three-point shooting and high-volume scoring on a national platform, his established pedigree makes him a leading candidate.

AJ Dybantsa (BYU Cougars)

Dybantsa is the high-ceiling newcomer in the race, bringing elite freshman phenom status to the Big 12. The nation’s top recruit steps into a high-usage role for BYU with immense offensive talent, already drawing national attention after a spectacular exhibition start where he averaged 24.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.0 steals, and 2.0 blocks per game, including a 30-point performance against Nebraska. His pathway to the award is through immediate statistical dominance, leveraging his scoring ability and two-way skills. If Dybantsa can maintain his production against Big 12 competition and lead the Cougars to a top seed, his “future No. 1 NBA Draft pick” narrative will be difficult to ignore.

Karter Knox (Arkansas Razorbacks)

Knox is positioned for a major breakout in his sophomore season. His case is built on impressive statistical progression and two-way impact from his freshman campaign. As a true freshman on an NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 team, he was just the ninth player in program history to reach 300+ points, 100+ rebounds, 30+ assists, 20+ steals, and 10+ blocks. Crucially, he elevated his game in the second half of the season, averaging 10.4 points and 3.8 rebounds while shooting a sparkling 52.3% from the field and 43.5% from three in the final 18 games. If Knox continues to build on this late-season surge and earns preseason All-SEC honors, his efficiency and defensive volume will make him a compelling contender.

Dame Sarr (Duke Blue Devils)

Sarr is the high-upside, internationally seasoned candidate joining a perennial national title contender. The freshman arrives at Duke after spending time in the prestigious FC Barcelona program in Spain, offering a unique blend of size and skill. He is one of only six true freshmen on the preseason watch list. His pathway to the award is as a high-efficiency complementary scorer and versatile defender on a top-ranked team. If Sarr can secure a starting spot, utilize his elite playmaking skills in a high-profile offense, and post consistent numbers rarely seen by a first-year international player in the ACC, his role as a key contributor to a potential Duke championship will earn him serious consideration.

Fletcher Loyer (Purdue Boilermakers)

Loyer is a classic high-efficiency candidate who is on the watch list for the third time in his career. His case is built entirely on his elite shooting pedigree and his vital role on one of college basketball’s most successful teams. A senior guard/forward, Loyer has averaged double-digit scoring all three seasons at Purdue, and over the last two seasons combined, he ranks third nationally in three-point percentage (44.4%) by hitting 138-of-311 attempts. Having started all 110 career games for an 87-23 Purdue squad, his experience and clutch shooting will be on full display. If Loyer maintains his remarkable outside efficiency while challenging the Boilermakers’ career three-pointers made record, his winning background and proven consistency will make him a viable finalist.

Julius Erving Award Winners (2015 – Present)

The table below highlights every Julius Erving Award winner since 2015.

Conclusion

In conclusion, tracking the top small forwards helps when betting on college basketball. Keeping these SFs (and their teams) in mind will help you stay on the winning side.