Bryce Hopkins Named to Naismith Player of the Year, and Karl Malone Power Forward of the Year Lists
It seems inconceivable today, but news of Bryce Hopkins’ transfer from Kentucky to Providence didn’t make much of a ripple within college basketball’s national coverage last spring.
That’s what a year of being buried on John Calipari’s bench will do, apparently.
There were some publications that listed him among the most desirable prospects on the transfer market last spring, but in October Hopkins remained a question mark to most.
For instance, he wasn’t listed among the top 25 transfers in the country by CBS Sports last October – a list that included six Big East players: Brandon Murray (#8 to Georgetown), Tristen Newton (#14 to UConn), Baylor Scheiermann (#15 to Creighton), Andre Curbelo (#16 to St. John’s), and Manny Bates (#21 to Butler).
There’s not a player on that list Friar fans would think twice about swapping Hopkins for, and for good reason.
The sophomore power forward is one of just 11 players in the country averaging over 16 points and nine rebounds per game this season. He’s one of only six players doing so at the high major level – a group that includes superstars in Purdue’s Zach Edey, Indiana’s Trayce Jackson-Davis, and Armando Bacot of North Carolina.
Hopkins remained Providence’s best-kept secret until Big East play rolled around. He kicked off league play with 24 points and 10 rebounds in a road victory at Seton Hall, then let the nation know he was officially back by leading PC to an upset of Marquette with a monstrous 29 point, 23 rebound double double. A week after the Marquette win, UConn had no answer for him either (27 points) and his status was all but cemented – both in the Big East and nationally.
It came as no surprise when it was announced on Thursday that Hopkins was named to both The 2023 Naismith Men’s Player of the Year Midseason Team, as well as one of ten finalists for The Karl Malone Power Forward of the Year Award.
Hopkins is one of just 30 players nationally named to the Player of the Year Midseason Team.
The previous five winners of the Malone award make up and impressive list: Keegan Murray, Iowa (2022), Drew Timme, Gonzaga (2021), Obi Toppin, Dayton (2020), Zion Williamson, Duke (2019), Deandre Ayton, Arizona (2018). Five finalists will be named for the Malone award in March.