McCowan Among Nation’s Top Centers as Leslie Award Finalist
March 15, 2019 | Women's Basketball
by Brian Ogden, Assistant Coordinator/Communications
STARKVILLE – Mississippi State senior Teaira McCowan is one of five finalists for the Lisa Leslie Award, presented to the nation's top center by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
The SEC Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year and Tournament MVP led the league in field goal percentage (65.5 percent), rebounding (13.5 rpg), offensive rebounding (5.8 rpg) and total blocks (76). Nationally, McCowan's field goal percentage is fourth, and she is second in rebounding. Her work on the offensive glass leads the country.
The Brenham, Texas, native holds MSU's career records in rebounds (1,447) and double-doubles (66) and ranks fourth all-time in scoring (1,849). This year alone, McCowan has posted a double-double in 27 of 32 games while scoring in double figures in all but two contests.
Of the five finalists, three are among the active career leaders in double-doubles, including McCowan, Megan Gustafson of Iowa (85) and Kristine Anigwe of California (72).
The five finalists, which also include Baylor's Kalani Brown and Miami's Beatrice Mompremier, will be presented to Lisa Leslie and the Hall of Fame's selection committee. The winner will be determined by a combination of fan votes and input from the selection committee. Bulldog fans can visit HoopHallAwards.com to vote for McCowan until March 29.
This year's winner will be presented with their award at the Final Four in Tampa, Florida on April 4. MSU will receive an automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament when the bracket is announced on Monday, March 18, and is looking to advance to the Final Four for a third consecutive season.
STARKVILLE – Mississippi State senior Teaira McCowan is one of five finalists for the Lisa Leslie Award, presented to the nation's top center by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
The SEC Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year and Tournament MVP led the league in field goal percentage (65.5 percent), rebounding (13.5 rpg), offensive rebounding (5.8 rpg) and total blocks (76). Nationally, McCowan's field goal percentage is fourth, and she is second in rebounding. Her work on the offensive glass leads the country.
The Brenham, Texas, native holds MSU's career records in rebounds (1,447) and double-doubles (66) and ranks fourth all-time in scoring (1,849). This year alone, McCowan has posted a double-double in 27 of 32 games while scoring in double figures in all but two contests.
Of the five finalists, three are among the active career leaders in double-doubles, including McCowan, Megan Gustafson of Iowa (85) and Kristine Anigwe of California (72).
The five finalists, which also include Baylor's Kalani Brown and Miami's Beatrice Mompremier, will be presented to Lisa Leslie and the Hall of Fame's selection committee. The winner will be determined by a combination of fan votes and input from the selection committee. Bulldog fans can visit HoopHallAwards.com to vote for McCowan until March 29.
This year's winner will be presented with their award at the Final Four in Tampa, Florida on April 4. MSU will receive an automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament when the bracket is announced on Monday, March 18, and is looking to advance to the Final Four for a third consecutive season.
Players Mentioned
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