Alabama State’s rim-protecting freshman made a defensive splash
In the 2025-26 season, Jerquarius Stanback emerged as Alabama State’s defensive anchor, averaging 8.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 2.0 blocks while starting all 32 games and shooting 52.2% from the field. He was named SWAC Defensive Player of the Year, which tells you the tape matched the box score: long, active, and disruptive around the rim. The big appeal? He already changes games without needing touches, and his production suggests a high-floor, defense-first frontcourt fit for teams that value toughness, length, and instant paint protection.
