SMU sophomore Jaden Toombs is one of 20 players named to the 2027 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award watch list, which recognizes the top centers in Division I men’s basketball. After a strong finish to his freshman season—including standout performances in the ACC and NCAA tournaments—Toombs enters his second year as a candidate for the national honor.

By the Numbers
  • 20 players were named to the watch list.
  • Toombs averaged 8.3 points and 4.6 rebounds across 27 games as a freshman.
  • In the 2026 ACC and NCAA tournaments, he averaged 16.3 points and 10.3 rebounds while shooting 62.9% from the field.
  • He recorded 3 double-doubles, including 20 points and 11 rebounds in the NCAA First Four.
Yes, But

The watch list is an early-season recognition, not a final award decision. Toombs’ freshman production was more modest than his tournament numbers, so sustaining that late-season surge will be key.

State of Play
  • SMU opens its season Monday against Southern at Moody Coliseum.
  • The Mustangs are entering their third season under coach Andy Enfield after reaching the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2017.
  • Toombs joins a watch list featuring centers from programs including Duke, Kentucky, Arizona and Louisville.
What's Next

Toombs will have the season to build on his tournament breakout and strengthen his case for the award. The watch list will be narrowed as the season progresses.

Bottom Line

Toombs’ late-season impact has put him on the national radar; turning that promise into consistent production could make him a centerpiece of SMU’s season and a serious award contender.