Baylor WBB’s Smith Named Semifinalist for Naismith Trophy

[Pirtle, Krista]

BAYLOR ATHLETICS COMMUNICATIONS – March 9, 2022

Baylor WBB’s Smith Named Semifinalist for Naismith Trophy
Senior forward in contention for National Player of the Year
For more information contact: Krista Pirtle, 254-447-8610, Krista_Pirtle at baylor.edu<mailto:Krista_Pirtle at baylor.edu>


WACO, Texas – Baylor senior forward NaLyssa Smith was named as one of 10 semifinalists for the Naismith Trophy honoring the top players in women’s college basketball.



The Atlanta Tipoff Club announced the group, which included four guards, four forwards and two centers. Iowa State’s Ashley Joens joins Smith as the only other player from the Big 12 to receive consideration.



Smith is second in Baylor history with 21 double-doubles this season. She ranks fifth nationally in that category and is eighth in points per game with 22.3 and ninth with 11.7 rebounds per game.



Earlier this week, Smith was the unanimous selection for Big 12 Player of the Year. The Converse, Texas, native became the first player to win back-to-back Player of the Year honors in the Big 12 since Brittney Griner’s three straight selections from 2011-13. Courtney Paris (Oklahoma, 2007-09), Nicole Ohlde (Kansas State, 2003-04) and Stacey Dales (Oklahoma, 2001-02) are the only other Big 12 players to accomplish the feat.



As a junior, Smith put together one of the most decorated seasons in program history. She was named an All-American by five different entities, won the Wade Trophy and Katrina McClain Award in addition to receiving the Honda Sport Award for women’s basketball.



For the latest news on the Baylor women’s basketball team all season long, follow its official Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts: @BaylorWBB.



2022 Jersey Mike’s Naismith Trophy Women’s Player of the Year Semifinalists

Aliyah Boston

Jr.

F

South Carolina

Cameron Brink

So.

F

Stanford

Caitlin Clark

So.

G

Iowa

Elissa Cunane

Sr.

C

NC State

Naz Hillmon

Sr.

F

Michigan

Rhyne Howard

Sr.

G

Kentucky

Ashley Joens

Sr.

G

Iowa State

Haley Jones

Jr.

G

Stanford

Elizabeth Kitley

Jr.

C

Virginia Tech

NaLyssa Smith

Sr.

F

Baylor





www.BaylorBears.com




Krista Pirtle | Associate Director of Athletics Communications
Department of Athletics | Baylor University
C: 254-447-8610

[signature_1415018582]<http://www.baylorbears.com/>

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