The Naismith College Defensive Player of the Year Trophy holds a special place in college basketball, recognizing 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 defensive abilities on the college basketball stage. It is given to the player who distinguishes themselves with their defensive performances, demonstrating their ability to thwart opponents and ensure their team's success. Since its start in 2018, the award has become an acknowledgment in the basketball community, enhancing the player's college career. Jamal Shead of the Houston Cougars won the award in the 2023-24 season.
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 best 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. In 2023–24, Jamal Shead from Houston, a Senior Guard, was awarded the Naismith College Defensive Player of the Year Trophy.
| 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 |
| 2023-24 | Jamal Shead | Houston | G | Senior |
FAQs On Naismith College Defensive Player of the Year
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. Jamal Shead, a Senior Guard from Houston, won the defensive player of the year trophy in the 2023-24 season.
A. Since its inception in 2018, seven players have received the Naismith College Defensive Player of the Year Trophy, as of March 2025.
