National Defensive Player of the Year: Ryan Kalkbrenner, Creighton

The Creighton big man is the 3-time reigning Big East Defensive Player of the Year, and it’s about time he takes home the national honor for his prowess on this end. Coach Greg McDermott relies on Kalkbrenner to essentially carry the defense by having his perimeter defenders run opposing 3 point shooters off the line and filter them into the mid range/painted areas, where the big man is in there waiting. Kalkbrenner has averaged 2.3 blocks per game throughout his college career, and that isn’t even the best trait about him on the defensive side of the floor. His ability to contest shots at the rim without fouling is extremely valuable, as it allows McDermott to leave him on the floor as long as he wants to. This underlying trait about Kalkbrenner’s game is probably the reason why he hasn’t taken home the national honor, as he could probably average close to 4 blocks per contest if he was more aggressive, but it’s time for the 5th year Creighton big man to receive his flowers.

(Fun fact: Kalkbrenner has never fouled out in his 134 game career)

All-Defensive 1st Team

Tamin Lipsey, Iowa State

Kadary Richmond, St. John’s

Cooper Flagg, Duke

J’Wan Roberts, Houston

Ryan Kalkbrenner, Creighton

National Freshman of the Year: Cooper Flagg, Duke

Cooper Flagg took home almost every award you could imagine in his final year at Montverde Academy. That won’t stop here. Flagg can do it all, which is why many scouts call him one of the best draft prospects this century. This year’s freshman class is very deep with other candidates for this award like Dylan Harper, Ace Bailey, and VJ Edgecombe, but ultimately, Flagg is the best player. He will be a defensive force for the Duke Blue Devils as he can guard all five positions on the court and protect the rim as well as anyone as a wing. His understanding of how to play defense, especially in help, and overall competitiveness and toughness will make him one of the most valuable defensive players in the country. It would not be shocking at all to see him win ACC Defensive Player of the Year. Offensively, that is where most of the concerns in his game lie. His shooting, while it appears to be improved, is still not elite which could hinder his ability to score in tight half-court settings, especially against top defensive teams. However, we do not see it as enough of a factor because he is relentless on the offensive glass, can shoot over anyone, and will only improve as a creator as the season goes on. Flagg’s overall versatility and the way that his game has translated at every stop along his basketball journey leads us to believe that there is nobody else deserving of Freshman of the Year.