The Naismith College Defensive Player of the Year Trophy holds a special place in college basketball, recognizing outstanding defensive skills in both men's and women's divisions. Established by the Atlanta Tipoff Club in 2018 and named after basketball's creator, James Naismith, the award highlights and celebrates exceptional defensive abilities on the college basketball stage. It is given to the player who distinguishes themselves with remarkable defensive performances, demonstrating their ability to thwart opponents and ensure their team's success. Since its start in 2018, the award has become a prestigious acknowledgement in the basketball community, enhancing the player's college career. Jaylen Clark of UCLA, the most recent men's recipient, joins a distinguished list of defensive stalwarts who have impacted college basketball.
List of Players with most Naismith College Defensive Player of the Year Trophy
The Naismith College Defensive Player of the Year Trophy is awarded to the most outstanding defensive player in college basketball each year. Here's a list of players who have earned this prestigious honor:
In 2017–18, Jevon Carter from West Virginia, who was playing as a senior guard, received the award. The following year, in 2018–19, Matisse Thybulle from Washington, also a Senior Guard, was honored. Marcus Garrett, a Junior Guard from Kansas, won the award in 2019–20. Davion Mitchell, a Junior Guard from Baylor, received the trophy in 2020–21. In 2021–22, Walker Kessler from Auburn, playing as a Sophomore Center, was recognized. Most recently, in 2022–23, Jaylen Clark from UCLA, a Junior Guard, was awarded the Naismith College Defensive Player of the Year Trophy. These players have demonstrated exceptional defensive skills, making them stand out in college basketball.
| Year | Player | College | Position | Class |
| 2017–18 | Jevon Carter | West Virginia | G | Senior |
| 2018–19 | Matisse Thybulle | Washington | G | Senior |
| 2019–20 | Marcus Garrett | Kansas | G | Junior |
| 2020–21 | Davion Mitchell | Baylor | G | Junior |
| 2021–22 | Walker Kessler | Auburn | C | Sophomore |
| 2022–23 | Jaylen Clark | UCLA | G | Junior |
FAQ's On List of Players with most Naismith College Defensive Player of the Year Trophy
A. The Naismith College Defensive Player of the Year Trophy is an annual award recognizing exceptional defensive skills in men's and women's college basketball.
A. The Atlanta Tipoff Club established the trophy in 2018 and named it after James Naismith, the creator of basketball.
A. The trophy began in 2018 and has since gained prestige within the basketball community as a recognition of outstanding defensive contributions in college basketball.
A. Jaylen Clark, a Junior Guard from UCLA, is the most recent men's recipient, joining a distinguished list of impactful defensive players in college basketball.
A. Since its inception in 2018, six players have received the Naismith College Defensive Player of the Year Trophy.
