“Paige Should’ve Won”: Geno Auriemma Sends Loud Message After Arnold, Strong Grab National Spotlight

“Paige Should’ve Won”: Geno Auriemma Sends Loud Message After Arnold, Strong Grab National Spotlight

Veteran collegiate head coach Bob Knight once iterated, “good basketball starts with good defense”, and this has been the cornerstone of Geno Auriemma’s UConn Huskies this season. The team is second on the defense charts, with just an average of 51 points conceded, with Sarah Strong and KK Arnold doing most of the heavy work. Following the performances, both players were also included on the watch list for the Naismith Defensive Player of the Ye…

UConn’s Sarah Strong, KK Arnold land on Naismith Defensive Player of the Year midseason watchlist

The UConn women's basketball team has two representatives on the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year midseason watchlist released Tuesday.

Jones Named to Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Watch List

Michigan State women's basketball junior guard Rashunda Jones was named to the Naismith Defensive Player of  the Year Watch List. She was one of 25 players named to the watch list that honors the top defensive players in Division I.

Izoje Named to Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Watch List

Syracuse University freshman forward Uche Izoje has been named to the Naismith Women's College Defensive Player of the Year Watch List, the Atlanta Tipoff Club announced Tuesday. Izoje, who has earned ACC Rookie of the Week honors six times this season, continues to make an immediate impact for the Orange in her first collegiate campaign. The recognition marks another milestone for one of the nation's most decorated freshmen.

Clara Strack Named to Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Watch List

Kentucky center Clara Strack was named to the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Watch List on Tuesday. Strack is averaging 15.5 points, 10.2 rebounds, 1.86 assists, 2.86 blocks (fifth in the nation) and 1.36 steals per game this season. Here are details from UK Athletics: LEXINGTON, Ky. – University of Kentucky women’s basketball junior center Clara Strack is one of 25 players selected to the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Watch List,…

Madison Francis Named To 2026 Naismith Defensive Player Of The Year Watchlist

STARKVILLE – Madison Francis , one of the nation's most elite defenders, was named to the 2026 Naismith Women's Defensive Player of the Year Watchlist. Francis is one of 25 student-athletes and one of four freshmen across the nation to be recognized. On the defensive side of the ball, Francis is averaging 3.0 blocks and 1.5 steals this season, making her the only player in the country to do so. Francis also collects 4.1 defensive rebounds per ga…