LSU’s Aneesah Morrow named semifinalist for Defensive Player of the Year

In the world of women’s college basketball, few players have garnered as much attention this season as LSU’s Aneesah Morrow. The 2025 season has been one of tremendous success for Morrow, whose defensive prowess has earned her a coveted spot as a semifinalist for the Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) award. Morrow’s recognition is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and exceptional abilities on the court.

This article will explore the journey of Aneesah Morrow, her impact on the LSU Tigers, and why her candidacy for DPOY is well-deserved. We will also take a deeper look at her skill set, how she has transformed LSU’s defense, and the broader implications of her recognition.

The Rise of Aneesah Morrow

Aneesah Morrow’s basketball journey is one marked by growth, resilience, and consistency. A native of Chicago, Illinois, Morrow was a standout high school athlete. She earned recognition as one of the top recruits in the country, a title she fully embraced upon her arrival at LSU. Morrow’s impressive high school career, which included numerous accolades and awards, set the stage for her to make a significant impact in college basketball.

Morrow’s initial seasons at LSU were met with success, but it was during her sophomore year that she truly began to emerge as a dominant force. She quickly became known for her ability to make life difficult for opposing offenses, regularly shutting down key players and creating turnovers with her tenacious defensive play.

One of the key elements of Morrow’s game has always been her relentless work ethic and commitment to improving. Unlike many players who are more focused on scoring or offensive efficiency, Morrow has taken pride in her ability to contribute to her team’s defensive efforts. Her dedication to this aspect of her game has allowed her to shine in ways that often go unnoticed by the casual observer.

Defensive Player of the Year Semifinalist: The Honor

Being named a semifinalist for the Defensive Player of the Year award is no small feat. The honor is typically reserved for players who consistently showcase elite defensive skills and make a substantial impact on their team’s defensive performance. It is a testament to Morrow’s ability to shut down opposing offenses and make game-changing plays on the defensive end.

This prestigious recognition places Morrow among the upper echelon of women’s college basketball players. She is now listed alongside other players who have proven to be exceptional defenders and possess the ability to lock down some of the toughest players in the country.

What makes Morrow’s DPOY semifinalist selection even more impressive is her consistency throughout the season. While many players experience ups and downs in their performances, Morrow has remained a defensive anchor for LSU, consistently impacting games with her ability to disrupt offensive plays and prevent scoring opportunities.

Morrow’s Defensive Impact on LSU

To truly understand why Morrow was selected as a semifinalist for the DPOY award, it is important to look at her impact on LSU’s defense. The Tigers have long been known for their strong defensive play, and Morrow’s contributions have elevated the team to even greater heights in that department.

One of Morrow’s defining characteristics is her ability to read the game. She has a natural instinct for anticipating offensive plays, whether it’s cutting off passing lanes or positioning herself to block shots. Her ability to control the paint has made her a major deterrent for opposing players trying to drive to the basket. It’s no surprise that her shot-blocking ability has been a cornerstone of LSU’s defense this season.

Morrow’s defensive impact extends beyond just her shot-blocking. She is an exceptional rebounder, which is a vital part of any team’s defensive strategy. By securing rebounds, Morrow prevents second-chance opportunities for opponents and allows LSU to transition into offense more effectively. Her rebounding abilities help set the tone for LSU’s defensive efforts and provide her team with additional possessions.

Another critical aspect of Morrow’s defensive game is her ability to guard multiple positions. While many players excel at defending one-on-one in a specific position, Morrow’s versatility allows her to defend against a variety of offensive threats. Whether she’s guarding a perimeter shooter or battling it out in the post, Morrow’s ability to adapt to different matchups has made her invaluable to LSU’s defensive schemes.

Statistics and Key Defensive Metrics

To fully appreciate the magnitude of Morrow’s defensive impact, one must look at the numbers. Throughout the season, Morrow has posted impressive defensive statistics that speak to her abilities as a lockdown defender. She ranks among the top players in the nation in both blocks and steals, with her defensive metrics placing her in the upper tier of defensive players in the country.

One of Morrow’s standout statistics is her block-to-steal ratio. In many games, she’s recorded multiple blocks and steals, showcasing her ability to disrupt offensive plays in a variety of ways. Her presence in the paint often forces opposing teams to rethink their strategy, as they know that attacking the basket will likely result in a block or forced turnover. This has made LSU a formidable team to play against, as opponents find it difficult to score efficiently when Morrow is on the court.

Additionally, Morrow’s ability to limit her opponents’ shooting percentage is another key indicator of her defensive value. Through effective positioning, smart shot contests, and excellent anticipation, Morrow has been able to force shooters into difficult situations, resulting in lower shooting percentages for many of the top offensive players she has faced.

Her impact is not limited to individual statistics alone. Morrow’s defensive contributions have helped elevate LSU’s team defense as well. As a unit, LSU has become one of the top defensive teams in the nation, ranking highly in points allowed, opponent shooting percentage, and rebounds per game. Morrow’s leadership on the defensive end has played a significant role in the team’s success.

The Importance of Defensive Players in College Basketball

In women’s college basketball, there is often a tendency to focus on offensive players—scorers, shooters, and playmakers—when considering awards and accolades. However, the importance of defensive players cannot be overstated. A strong defense can be the difference between winning and losing, especially in close games or high-stakes matchups.

Players like Morrow, who excel on the defensive end, are invaluable to their teams. While offensive players can often take over a game and put up impressive point totals, it is often the defensive players who make the key stops, disrupt opposing offenses, and create opportunities for their teams to score. Morrow’s defensive contributions have helped LSU win critical games, and her presence on the court gives the team a sense of confidence that they can lock down any opponent.

Morrow’s defensive skills go beyond just individual recognition; they reflect a mindset that elevates her entire team. She sets the tone with her aggressive play, and her teammates often feed off of her intensity and leadership. This type of defensive mentality is contagious and can be the foundation for a successful season.

The Future of Aneesah Morrow and LSU

As LSU continues its journey through the season, Morrow’s role will only become more critical. With her semifinalist selection for DPOY, Morrow has solidified her place among the elite defenders in women’s college basketball. However, her ultimate goal is not just individual recognition—it’s helping her team win championships.

With the NCAA tournament on the horizon, Morrow’s defensive abilities will be put to the test on the biggest stage. If LSU hopes to make a deep run in the tournament, Morrow’s defense will undoubtedly play a pivotal role. Her leadership on both ends of the court will be vital in helping LSU secure victories and, ultimately, chase after a national title.

Aneesah Morrow’s recognition as a semifinalist for the Defensive Player of the Year award is a well-deserved honor that highlights her outstanding contributions to LSU’s defense. Her combination of skill, intensity, and leadership has made her one of the premier defenders in women’s college basketball. Morrow’s impact on the game is undeniable, and her continued success on the defensive end will be key to LSU’s aspirations for a championship.

As Morrow’s career continues to unfold, one thing is certain: her name will be remembered not just for her individual accolades, but for her ability to change the course of games with her defensive brilliance.