The SEC’s reigning conference Defensive Player of the Year is back, and he’s still getting better. Ashton Hagans is once again being recognized for his defensive skills, as he was just named to the watch list for the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year award. Hagans is one of just 15 players on the list, and the only one from the SEC.
So far this season, Hagans owns a team-high 39 steals, oftentimes drawing the assignment on the opposing team’s best offensive player. He’s averaging just over two steals per game, which ranks among the top 30 in the country.