Baylor WBB’s Smith Named Sports Illustrated All-American and Naismith Semifinalist

WACO, Texas – Baylor senior forward NaLyssa Smith was named a first-team All American by Sports Illustrated on Wednesday.

The Converse, Texas, native joined South Carolina’s Aliyah Boston, Iowa’s Caitlin Clark, Michigan’s Naz Hillmon and Kansas State’s Ayoka Lee on the first team.

Smith was named an Associated Press Preseason All-American after putting together one of the most decorated seasons in program history. Her junior campaign saw five entities name Smith an All-American – WBCA, USBWA, John R. Wooden Award, Associated Press and ESPN.com.

Smith is currently eighth nationally in both points per game (22.3) and rebounds per game (11.7). She ranks fifth in the country with 21 double-doubles. That mark stands as fifth all-time in Big 12 history and second all-time in program history.

For the latest news on the Baylor women’s basketball team all season long, follow its official Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts: @BaylorWBB.

Sports Illustrated All-Americans

First Team

Aliyah Boston, South Carolina

Caitlin Clark, Iowa

NaLyssa Smith, Baylor

Naz Hillmon, Michigan

Ayoka Lee, Kansas State

Second Team

Haley Jones, Stanford

Khayla Pointer, LSU

Aneesah Morrow, DePaul

Ashley Joens, Iowa State

Rhyne Howard, Kentucky

Third Team

Elizabeth Kitley, Virginia Tech

Maddy Siegrist, Villanova

Elissa Cunane, NC State

Cameron Brink, Stanford

Veronica Burton, Northwestern

WACO, Texas – Baylor senior forward NaLyssa Smith was named as one of 10 semifinalists for the Naismith Trophy honoring the top players in women’s college basketball.

The Atlanta Tipoff Club announced the group, which included four guards, four forwards and two centers. Iowa State’s Ashley Joens joins Smith as the only other player from the Big 12 to receive consideration.

Smith is second in Baylor history with 21 double-doubles this season. She ranks fifth nationally in that category and is eighth in points per game with 22.3 and ninth with 11.7 rebounds per game.

Earlier this week, Smith was the unanimous selection for Big 12 Player of the Year. The Converse, Texas, native became the first player to win back-to-back Player of the Year honors in the Big 12 since Brittney Griner’s three straight selections from 2011-13. Courtney Paris (Oklahoma, 2007-09), Nicole Ohlde (Kansas State, 2003-04) and Stacey Dales (Oklahoma, 2001-02) are the only other Big 12 players to accomplish the feat. 

As a junior, Smith put together one of the most decorated seasons in program history. She was named an All-American by five different entities, won the Wade Trophy and Katrina McClain Award in addition to receiving the Honda Sport Award for women’s