Springfield, Mass. – After being named to the Big West All-Conference Preseason Team earlier this week, senior Daeja Smith has been named to the Lisa Leslie Award Watch List.
The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the Women's Basketball Coaches Association announced today the 20 watch list candidates for the 2019 Lisa Leslie Award. Named after the three-time All-American and 1994 National Player of the Year, the annual award in its second year recognizes the top centers in women's NCAA Division I college basketball.
"Before Lisa Leslie became one of the most recognizable faces of the WNBA, she was a collegiate center taking the women's game to new heights," said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Basketball Hall of Fame. "She is one of the most accomplished and respected centers to ever play the game and her insights and participation as we evaluate the Naismith Starting 5 with be invaluable."
The Selection Committee for the Lisa Leslie Award is composed of top women's college basketball personnel including media members, head coaches, sports information directors and Hall of Famers. By mid-February, the watch list of 20 players for the 2019 Lisa Leslie Award will be narrowed to just 10. In March, five finalists will be presented to Ms. Leslie and the Hall of Fame's selection committee. Fans will also have the opportunity to vote for their favorite finalist at www.hoophallawards.com.
The winner of the 2019 Lisa Leslie Center Award will be revealed on an ESPN platform during the 2019 Women's Final Four in Tampa, Florida. Additional awards being presented and recognized at the WBCA Convention include the Nancy Lieberman Point Guard Award, the Ann Meyers Drysdale Shooting Guard Award, the Cheryl Miller Small Forward Award and the Katrina McClain Power Forward Award. Also being awarded is the Wade Trophy, the sport's oldest and most prestigious national player of the year award which is presented annually by the WBCA's community of coaches to the best player in college women's basketball.
Last season, A'ja Wilson of South Carolina was named the inaugural winner of the Lisa Leslie Center of the Year Award.
For more information and the latest updates on the 2019 Lisa Leslie Award, log onto www.hoophallawards.com and follow @hoophall and #LeslieAward on Twitter and Instagram.
2019 Lisa Leslie Award Candidates
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Kalani Brown |
Baylor |
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Kristine Anigwe |
California |
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Channon Fluker |
Cal State Northridge |
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CSU-Fullerton |
|
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Jade Williams |
Duke |
|
Megan Gustafson |
Iowa |
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Alex Wittinger |
Illinois |
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Macee Williams |
IUPUI |
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Sam Fuehring |
Louisville |
|
Hallie Thome |
Michigan |
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Teaira McCowan |
Mississippi St |
|
Kate Cain |
Nebraska |
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Jaisa Nunn |
New Mexico |
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Janelle Bailey |
North Carolina |
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Brianna Turner |
Notre Dame |
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Ae'Rianna Harris |
Purdue |
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Jordan Moore |
TCU |
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Jatarie White |
Texas |
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Katie Powell |
UNLV |
|
Mariella Fasoula |
Vanderbilt |
*Players can play their way onto and off of the list at any point in the 2018-19 season*
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