Gonzaga Bulldogs senior forward Killian Tillie was recently named one of 20 candidates for the Karl Malone Power Forward of the Year.
One could easily make the case that Tillie is one of the top players in the country, not just at his position, if he were able to remain healthy. Statistically, Tillie took a step back last season, only averaging 6.2 points and 3.9 rebounds per game. Injuries limited him to just 15 appearances.
However, the shooting, as always, was on par. Tillie is a career 47 percent three point shooter, which helps boost his eFG% to an astonishing 62.9 career rate. In an era of modern day basketball and position-less basketball, Tillie is the poster child for success, that is, if he can stay healthy.
The health question mark is, of course, what will determine how long Tillie stays on this list. He is one of the most talented guys out there, and deserves to win it just as much as anyone. If he gets most of the year under his belt, there is a good chance he can bring the hardware home.
Here is the full list of candidates:
- Tristan Clark, Baylor
- Yoeli Childs, BYU
- Lamine Diane, CSUN
- Obi Toppin, Dayton
- EJ Montgomery, Kentucky
- Trendon Watford, LSU
- Jalen Smith, Maryland
- Xavier Tilman, Michigan State
- Reggie Perry, Mississippi State
- Garrison Brooks, North Carolina
- John Mooney, Notre Dame
- Kaleb Wesson, Ohio State
- Brady Manek, Oklahoma
- Lamar Stevens, Penn State
- Trevion Williams, Purdue
- Isaiah Mobley, USC
- Alexis Yetna, USF
- Mamadi Diakite, Virginia
- Tyrique Jones, Xavier