Big 12 Basketball: 2018-19 preseason all-conference and awards predictions
By Chris Kern
Defensive Player Of The Year
Sagaba Konate
Sagaba Konate is a monster on the defensive end. His shot-blocking ability might make him the best defender in the country.
Konate will make three straight times a West Virginia player has won this award after Jevon Carter won the previous two.
Konate averaged five defensive rebounds and 3.2 blocks per game last season. It’s more than just the numbers that show why he is such a good defender.
His blocks aren’t just typical blocks. There have been so many blocks where he will meet guys at the rim and send them back with an enforcing rejection.
It’s just such a momentum boost for this team when he’s able to meet somebody at the rim and send the shot back which leads to a West Virginia fast break.
Konate is the clear favorite for this award, and I’m not sure there is anybody with a legit chance to take it from him.