Izoje Named to Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Watch List
1/27/2026 3:34:00 PM | Women's Basketball
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.
A defensive force in the paint, Izoje has been instrumental in Syracuse's success on that end of the floor. Her combination of size, athleticism, and instincts has made her a disruptive presence against opposing offenses helping SU to a 16-4 record and a 6-3 start in ACC play. The 6-foot-3 forward from Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria, has consistently demonstrated her versatility on both ends of the court. She leads the ACC in blocks per game (2.8) and total blocks (56) ranking sixth and fifth in the nation, respectively. She is 17th nationally in offensive rebounds per game (3.9) and 44th nationally in rebounds per game (9.1). While her defensive prowess earned her this national recognition, Izoje has also been a key contributor offensively, leading SU in scoring with 14.5 points per game and is fourth in the ACC in field goal percentage (.555).
The Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Award is presented annually to the top defensive player in women's college basketball, with the winner announced during the NCAA Women's Final Four. The watch list will be narrowed to 10 semifinalists in March, followed by four finalists announced in early April. The winner will be revealed at the Final Four, capping a season-long evaluation of the nation's premier defenders.
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