Big Ten Defensive Player Of The Year Basketball
The Big Ten Conference is one of the most competitive conferences in college basketball. Each year, the conference award players for their outstanding performances on the court. One of the most prestigious awards is the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. This award recognizes the best defensive player in the conference based on their performance throughout the season.
What is the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year Award?
The Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year award has been given out since the 1985-86 season. The award is voted on by the coaches and is based on a player's overall defensive performance throughout the regular season. The award recognizes the best defensive player in the conference, which includes both guard and forward positions.
Past Winners of the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year Award
Over the years, there have been many deserving players who have won the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year award. Some of the most notable winners include:
- Kenyon Murray (Purdue, 1994-95): Kenyon Murray was a dominant force in the Big Ten during his time at Purdue. He was a two-time winner of the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year award and went on to play in the NBA.
- JaJuan Johnson (Purdue, 2010-11): JaJuan Johnson was a standout player for Purdue and won the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year award during his senior year. He was drafted by the Boston Celtics in the first round of the NBA draft.
- Aaron Craft (Ohio State, 2012-13 and 2013-14): Aaron Craft is one of the most decorated players in Big Ten history. He won the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year award in back-to-back seasons and was known for his stifling defense and clutch play.
Criteria for the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year Award
The criteria for the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year award is based on a player's overall defensive performance throughout the regular season. The award takes into account a variety of factors, including:
- Blocks and Steals: A player's ability to block shots and steal the ball is an important factor in their defensive performance. The more blocks and steals a player has, the better their chances are of winning the award.
- Rebounding: Defense is not just about blocking shots and stealing the ball. It is also about rebounding, which means a player's ability to grab rebounds is also an important factor in the award selection process.
- Overall Team Defense: The Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year award is not just about individual performance. The award also takes into account a player's ability to improve the overall defensive performance of their team.
The Importance of the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year Award
The Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year award is one of the most prestigious awards in college basketball. Winning this award is a testament to a player's skills and hard work on the defensive end of the court. The award is also a great honor for the player's team and coaching staff, as it shows that their team has a player who is among the best defensive players in the conference. Winning the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year award can also help a player's draft stock, as professional teams look for players who can play strong defense.
Conclusion
The Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year award is a prestigious award that recognizes the best defensive player in the conference. The award is based on a player's overall defensive performance throughout the regular season and takes into account a variety of factors, including blocks and steals, rebounding, and overall team defense. Winning this award is a great honor for players and their teams, and can also help a player's draft stock. There have been many deserving winners of the award over the years, and it remains one of the most important awards in college basketball today.