Heading into his first season with the Hurricanes and final year of college basketball, Malik Reneau has reached a significant milestone going into the 2025 season, being named to the preseason watch list for the Karl Malone Award, recognizing the nation’s top power forward. 

The list consists of 20 players released by the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, including Reneau alongside the NCAA’s best forwards across the country.  

Reneau, the 6 foot 9, 238lb Miami native, spent his first 3 seasons of college basketball with the Indiana Hoosiers, most recently in 2024 where he started 19 of 26 games, averaging 13.3 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists while also shooting 55.2% from the field.  

Coach Jai Lucas spoke highly of him following his transfer to Miami, saying how “Malik is someone who has played in and won big games for a big-time blue blood program these last three years…” adding a piece of needed winning experience that Miami has lacked within the past two seasons.  

Now entering his 4th and final season, elevated expectations come for Reneau as he steps into a significant role in Miami’s front court.  

Being among one of the nation’s best at his position, Miami can potentially find themselves in a prime position to bounce back in 2025 behind the likes of Reneau and compete in the ACC following a disappointing 2024 campaign.

Cover Photo Credits: University of Miami Athletics