2022 NCAA tournament men's bracket predictions on the first day of March
The Atlanta Tipoff Club has announced Naismith Defensive Player of the Year semifinalists in men's college basketball.
Ten players from eight different conferences are represented. Auburn forward Walker Kessler, who leads the nation in blocks at 4.66 per game, is among the semifinalists. Richmond guard Jacob Gilyard, who leads the pack in steals with 3.03 per game, is also featured.
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In 2021, Davion Mitchell won the award. The Baylor guard averaged 2 steals and helped lead the Bears to the program's first national championship.
Finalists will be named March 16, and the winner will be announced April 3.
| Full Name | Class | Pos. | School | Conference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
