Full Breakdown
2025-26 Wooden Award Midseason Top 25 Watch Lists Announced
1/9/2026, 12:37:52 AM
Overview of the Men's Wooden Award Candidates
The Los Angeles Athletic Club has released its midseason top 25 watchlist for the 2025-26 John R. Wooden Award, which honors the most outstanding college basketball players. Leading the list are freshmen Cameron Boozer from Duke and AJ Dybantsa from BYU, who are both averaging over 23 points per game. Boozer has been particularly impressive, scoring at least 14 points in every game and achieving seven double-doubles, contributing to Duke's 14-1 record. Dybantsa has also made headlines with a remarkable December, averaging 27.8 points and shooting nearly 66% from the field.
Other notable candidates include North Carolina's Caleb Wilson, who averages 19.3 points and 10.9 rebounds, and Purdue's Braden Smith, who leads the nation in assists. The complete list features a mix of established players and promising freshmen, including Darius Acuff Jr. from Arkansas, Mikel Brown Jr. from Louisville, and Thomas Haugh from Florida.
Overview of the Women's Wooden Award Candidates
The women's midseason top 25 watchlist also highlights standout performances, with UConn's Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong leading the charge. Both players are considered frontrunners for the prestigious award, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this season. Other notable inclusions are players from powerhouse programs such as South Carolina, LSU, and Texas, showcasing a diverse array of talent across the country.
Tennessee's Janiah Barker and Talaysia Cooper have also made the list, contributing significantly to their team's success with impressive individual statistics. Cooper leads the Lady Vols with 14.9 points per game, while Barker averages 14.4 points and 6.8 rebounds.
Key Statistics and Performance Highlights
- Cameron Boozer (Duke): 23.3 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 4.2 APG, 14+ points in every game.
- AJ Dybantsa (BYU): 23.1 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 5.7 APG, 27.8 PPG in December.
- Caleb Wilson (North Carolina): 19.3 PPG, 10.9 RPG, 10 double-doubles.
- Thomas Haugh (Florida): 17.5 PPG, 6.8 RPG, strong defensive presence.
- Azzi Fudd (UConn): Key player for UConn, contributing to their national prominence.
Official Statements & Responses
The Wooden Award's midseason watchlist is determined by a panel of college basketball experts, reflecting the players' performances and potential. The announcement emphasizes that players not included in this list remain eligible for future selections, including the late-season list and the final ballot, which will feature 15 finalists.
Criticism & Opposition
While the watchlists celebrate individual talent, some critics argue that the selection process can overlook players from smaller programs who may not receive the same media attention. This concern highlights the ongoing debate about the visibility and recognition of talent across all levels of college basketball.
What's Next
The next significant milestone for the Wooden Award will be the late-season top 20 list, expected to be released in February. The national ballot will follow in March, culminating in the announcement of the award winner and All-Americans on April 10, 2026.
This year's awards promise to showcase an exciting array of talent as college basketball continues to evolve and grow in popularity.