Washington’s Matisse Thybulle shattered the record books during his time with the Huskies and he was rewarded for his play by winning the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year award. He beat out Duke’s Zion Williamson, Virginia’s DeAndre Hunter, and Gonzaga’s Brandon Clarke who were the other finalists for the award.
Thybulle’s 3.5 steals per game led the country and he became the only player in the last 20 years to finish with 100+ steals and 80+ blocks in the same season. This was the final recognition for Thybulle on what has been a busy awards circuit.