Hunter named to Naismith Defensive Player of the Year watch list

Jan 18, 2022; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders forward Bryson Williams (11) dribbles the ball against Iowa State Cyclones guard Tyrese Hunter (11) in the first half at United Supermarkets Arena. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

The following is a press release from Iowa State Athletic Communications.

AMES, Iowa – Iowa State freshman guard Tyrese Hunter is one of 15 players named to the Naismith Men’s Defensive Player of the Year Watch List.

The Racine, Wisconsin, native is leading the Big 12 Conference with 42 steals, which also leads all freshmen nationally. He has 12 games with multiple steals and five games with at least four steals. Additionally, Hunter has five blocks.

He is one of three Big 12 players on the list, joining Baylor’s Jonathan Tchamwa Tchatchoua and Texas Tech’s Kevin McCullar.

Hunter and the No. 23 Cyclones return to action Saturday when they host Missouri in the Big 12/SEC Challenge at Hilton Coliseum at 1 p.m.

Naismith Men’s Defensive Player of the Year Watch List

Posh Alexander, St. John’s

Kennedy Chandler, Tennessee

Tari Eason, LSU

Jacob Gilyard, Richmond

Chet Holmgren, Gonzaga

Tyrese Hunter, Iowa State

Trayce Jackson-Davis, Indiana

Walker Kessler, Auburn

Christian Koloko, Arizona

Kevin McCullar, Texas Tech

Nathan Mensah, San Diego State

Jamarion Sharp, Western Kentucky

Jonathan Tchamwa Tchatchoua, Baylor

Oscar Tshiebwe, Kentucky

Mark Williams, Duke

Jared Stansbury

View articles by Jared Stansbury subscriber

Jared a native of Clarinda, Iowa, started as the Cyclone Fanatic intern in August 2013, primarily working as a videographer until starting on the women’s basketball beat prior to the 2014-15 season. Upon earning his Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Iowa State in May 2016, Jared was hired as the site’s full-time staff writer, taking over as the primary day-to-day reporter on football and men’s basketball. He was elevated to the position of managing editor in January 2020. He is a regular contributor on 1460 KXNO in Des Moines and makes regular guest appearances on radio stations across the Midwest. Jared resides in Ankeny with his four-year-old puggle, Lolo.

Follow @@JaredStansbury