Baylor Basketball’s Michael Rataj Recognized on Karl Malone Preseason Watch List
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame announced the 20 watch list candidates for the 2026 Karl Malone Award, including Baylor men’s basketball’s Michael Rataj.
The annual Karl Malone Award, named after the Class of 2010 Hall of Famer and two-time NBA Most Valuable Player, is recognized in its 12th year by naming the top power forwards in DI men’s basketball.
Rataj, an Oregon State transfer, was a Karl Malone Award Top-10 honoree during his junior season for the Beavers. Rataj was named to the NABC All-Pacific District Second Team, in addition to the All-West Coast Conference First Team for the 2024-25 season.
The three-time WCC Player of the Week last season finished fourth in the conference in points per game, sixth in rebounds per game and fifth in steals. The senior scored in double-figures 28 times in 32 games and is 42 shy of 1,000 career points.
Over the summer, Rataj competed for Team Germany at the FISU World University Games, being named the Best Forward of the tournament. During Baylor’s exhibition against Indiana, the Augsburg, Germany, native put up 12 points and eight rebounds.
Fans can support their favorite player by participating in Fan Voting starting Friday, October 31. In late January, the watch list of 20 players will be narrowed to 10, and then in late February, to just five. In March, the five finalists will be presented to Malone, McClain, and the Hall of Fame’s selection committees, where winners will be selected.
KARL MALONE POWER FORWARD PRESEASON WATCH LIST
- Koa Peat, Arizona
- Keyshawn Hall, Auburn
- Michael Rataj, Baylor
- Alex Karaban, UConn
- Cameron Boozer, Duke
- Alvaro Folgueiras, Iowa
- Graham Ike, Gonzaga
- Joseph Tugler, Houston
- Joshua Jefferson, Iowa State
- Malik Reneau, Miami
- Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan
- Thomas Haugh, Florida
- Caleb Wilson, North Carolina
- Trey Kaufman-Renn, Purdue
- Baye Ndongo, Georgia Tech
- Bryce Hopkins, St. John’s
- Donnie Freeman, Syracuse
- JT Toppin, Texas Tech
- Tyler Bilodeau, UCLA
- Nick Martinelli, Northwestern
