Caleb McConnell Selected as 2022 Naismith Defensive Semifinalist
Rutgers senior guard Caleb McConnell has been selected as a semifinalist for the 2022 Naismith Defensive Player of the Year. McConnell is one of ten players to be selected, and…
PISCATAWAY, NJ – FEBRUARY 26: Caleb McConnell #22 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights battles Ben Carlson #20 of the Wisconsin Badgers for a rebound during the first half of a game at Jersey Mike’s Arena on February 26, 2022 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
Rutgers senior guard Caleb McConnell has been selected as a semifinalist for the 2022 Naismith Defensive Player of the Year.
McConnell is one of ten players to be selected, and is the only presiding member of a Big Ten team to appear on the list.
The list includes:
| 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 | USA East |
| Oscar Tshiebwe | Jr. | F | Kentucky | SEC |
| Mark Williams | So. | C | Duke | ACC |
McConnell is currently seventh in the nation with 65 steals, and leads the Big Ten Conference in steals per game with 2.32. His 21 steals over a five game stretch tied him for second most in the Big Ten since 2002-03.
McConnell also had an unforgettable chase-down block to deny a layup by Ohio State, which sparked a 10-0 run for Rutgers a couple weeks ago.
McConnell also owns 13 blocks this season, and is averaging 5.2 rebounds per game. The winner of the Defensive Player of the Year will be announced April 3.
