White, Niang, Tuttle named finalist for Malone Award

IOWA CITY - Iowa senior Aaron White, Northern Iowa senior Seth Tuttle and Iowa State junior Georges Niang were named among 16 finalists for the inaugural Karl Malone Award, which is given to the nation's top power forward.

White, a Strongsville, Ohio native, ranks third in the Big Ten in rebounding (6.0 rpg) and 11th in scoring (14.6 ppg). Among his career achievements, White is the only Hawkeye with more than 1,650 points, 825 rebounds, 175 assists, and 125 steals. According to Iowa athletics, White is also the only Division I player to shoot better than 50 percent from the field and 80 percent from the free throw line the last two seasons. White ranks sixth in Iowa career rebounding (826), seventh in scoring (1,666), 13th in double-doubles (13), and first in free throws made (563) and attempted (736).

Niang, a native of Methuen, Mass., averages 14.7 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists. In Big 12 play, Niang ranks fifth - the only non-guard - in 3-point percentage (45.0). Niang is one of only 25 players nationally - and the only junior - with 1,300 points, 400 rebounds and 250 assists in their career.

Tuttle, who hails from Sheffield, Iowa, ranks fourth nationally in field goal percentage (. 629) and has 20 career 20-point scoring games. He leads UNI in scoring (16.3), rebounding (6.5). assists (83) and blocked shots (15). Tuttle is a seven-time Missouri Valley Player of the Week honoree and was named to the Naismith Trophy midseason 30 list. During his career, Tuttle has 1,636 points, 845 rebounds, 251 assists and 114 steals.

A selection committee will cut the final list to five players in March. The winner will be announce April 10 in Los Angeles.

2015 Karl Malone Award Candidates

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Arizona

Justin Moss, Buffalo

Kevon Looney, UCLA

Kyle Wiltjer, Gonzaga

David Laury, Iona

Aaron White, Iowa

Georges Niang, Iowa State

Perry Ellis, Kansas

Jordan Mickey, Louisiana State

Montrezl Harrell, Louisville

Jake Layman, Maryland

Christian Wood, UNLV

Seth Tuttle, Northern Iowa

Myles Turner, Texas

Larry Nance Jr., Wyoming

Rico Gathers, Baylor

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