LSU’s Eason a semifinalist for Naismith’s top defensive player

March 1, 2022 Tiger Rag News Services LSU athletics, LSU Basketball 0

Eason slam — LSU's Tari Eason (13) had a team-high scoring average of 16.9 points and was second in rebounding at 6.6. PHOTO BY: LSU athletics.

LSU’s Tari Eason has been named one of the 10 semifinalists for the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year.

The list was announced on Tuesday by the presenting Atlanta Tipoff Club.

Eason has 31 blocks and 55 steals on the season while leading the Tigers, averaging 16.5 points a game with a 6.9 rebound average. He has 34 steals and 18 blocks in the SEC contests.

The sophomore is one of the leading candidates for SEC Sixth Man of the Year as he leads all league players that come off the bench in scoring.

The 10 semifinalists for Naismith Defensive Player of the Year:

Tari Eason/So./F/LSU/SEC
Jacob Gilyard/Sr./G/Richmond/Atlantic 10
Chet Holmgren/Fr./C/Gonzaga/WCC
Walker Kessler/So./F/Auburn/SEC
Christian Koloko/Jr./C/Arizona/Pac-12
Caleb McConnell/Sr./G/Rutgers/Big Ten
Kevin McCullar/Jr./G/Texas Tech/Big 12
Jamarion Sharp/Jr./C/Western Kentucky/C-USA East
Oscar Tshiebwe/Jr./F/Kentucky/SEC
Mark Williams/So./C/Duke/ACC