Chad Baker-Mazara Selected to Preseason Julius Erving Award Top 20 Watch List
October 29, 2025 | Men's Basketball
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – USC Men's Basketball's Chad Baker-Mazara was selected to this year's Preseason Julius Erving Award's Top 20 Watch List, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame announced today.
The annual Julius Erving Award, named after the Class of 1993 Hall of Famer and 17-year professional basketball player, celebrates its 12th year by recognizing the top small forwards in Division I men's college basketball.
Baker-Mazara was a finalist for the award last year after helping Auburn make a run to the Final Four. The All-SEC Third Team member averaged 12.3 points and 3.0 rebounds per game. Baker-Mazara also secured double-digit points in 25 games this season, including a season-high 22 against Kentucky.
Fans can support their favorite player by participating in Fan Voting starting Friday, October 31. In late January, the watch list of 20 players for the 2026 Julius Erving Award will be narrowed to 10, and then in late February, to just five. In March, the five finalists will be presented to Erving and the Hall of Fame's selection committee, where winners will be selected. The Selection Committees for the Julius Erving Award are composed of top men's college basketball personnel, including media members, head coaches, sports information directors, and Hall of Famers.
For more information on the award, visit hoopshallawards.com.
The annual Julius Erving Award, named after the Class of 1993 Hall of Famer and 17-year professional basketball player, celebrates its 12th year by recognizing the top small forwards in Division I men's college basketball.
Baker-Mazara was a finalist for the award last year after helping Auburn make a run to the Final Four. The All-SEC Third Team member averaged 12.3 points and 3.0 rebounds per game. Baker-Mazara also secured double-digit points in 25 games this season, including a season-high 22 against Kentucky.
Fans can support their favorite player by participating in Fan Voting starting Friday, October 31. In late January, the watch list of 20 players for the 2026 Julius Erving Award will be narrowed to 10, and then in late February, to just five. In March, the five finalists will be presented to Erving and the Hall of Fame's selection committee, where winners will be selected. The Selection Committees for the Julius Erving Award are composed of top men's college basketball personnel, including media members, head coaches, sports information directors, and Hall of Famers.
For more information on the award, visit hoopshallawards.com.
Players Mentioned
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