Arizona guard Helena Pueyo (13) strips Northern Arizona guard Regan Schenck (1) of the ball in the second quarter of their game at McKale Center, Tucson, Ariz., November 10, 2022.

 Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star

Arizona Wildcats reserve guard Helena Pueyo was added to the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year midseason watch list Tuesday.Β 

Pueyo is the first Wildcat to make the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year watch list since Aari McDonald in 2020-21. McDonald was a two-time Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year at Arizona.Β 

Wildcats guard Madison Conner, left, and guard Helena Pueyo listen to Coach Adia Barnes during the second half of Arizona’s 79-71 win over Oregon on Jan. 8 at McKale Center.

In her fourth season with the Wildcats, Pueyo is averaging a Pac-12-bestΒ 2.6 steals per game β€” 33rd nationally. Pueyo has recorded a steal in every game this season, including a season-high six against New Mexico. Pueyo is also averaging 6.5 points, 3.1 assists, 3.3 rebounds per game and has 15 total blocks this season.Β 

No. 19 Arizona (15-4, 4-3 Pac-12) hosts Washington (10-8, 2-6)) at McKale Center at 7 p.m. Friday.Β 

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Contact sports producer Justin Spears at jspears@tucson.com. On Twitter: @JustinESports