Herb Jones Named Finalist for Naismith DPOY
Alabama senior forward Herb Jones made an ever-narrowing list for a national honor. Jones was named one of four finalists for Naismith Defensive Player of the Year. The senior from Greensboro, AL has already won SEC Player of the Year and SEC Defensive Player of the Year and leads the nation's No. 2 ranked defense according to Kenpomeroy.
The other nominees for the award are Baylor's junior guard Davion Mitchell, USC's freshman forward Evan Mobley and Utah State's junior center Neemias Queta.
Jones averages 11.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.3 assists along with 1.8 steals and 1.1 blocks per game in his senior year. His rebounds, steals and blocks lead the team, he additionally leads the team in deflections with 106 and floor dives with 21 while placing second on the team in charges taken with 13.
Jones epitomizes Alabama head coach Nate Oats' desire to play blue-collar basketball, he leads the team in "blue collar points" with 642.5 points for the year. The effort system awards points for several categories such as for deflections, steals, blocks, rebounds, floor dives and charges. He leads the team by over 200 points for the season.
Jones has won the Hard Hat award for leading the team in points in 16 of Alabama's 31 games. His length and defensive awareness gives him the ability to be a game-changer on the defensive end of the court.
The senior leads his team into the Sweet 16 on Sunday where the Crimson Tide will take on No. 11 UCLA at 6:15 CT. He attempts to take Alabama into the Elite 8 for the first time since 2004.