Andy Katz has locked in his picks for the top defenders ahead of the 2024-25 men's college basketball season. Here’s a breakdown of each player based on their defensive prowess and impact:
1. Ryan Kalkbrenner, Creighton
Kalkbrenner, a three-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year, is returning to Creighton after initially entering the NBA draft. Standing at 7’1”, he’s one of the most dominant shot-blockers in the nation, ranking second with 107 blocks last season. Kalkbrenner also averaged 7.6 rebounds and 3.1 blocks per game, anchoring Creighton’s defense. His decision to come back for another season makes him a key figure in college basketball’s defensive landscape.
2. Cliff Omoruyi, Alabama
Welcome to Clifford Omoruyi!
— Alabama Men’s Basketball (@AlabamaMBB)
Omoruyi, who transferred from Rutgers to Alabama earlier this year, brings size and athleticism that make him a force in the paint. He’s excellent at contesting shots and grabs nearly 9 rebounds per game. His ability to guard multiple positions makes him a versatile defender. Omoruyi’s shot-blocking and rebounding are going to be key to Alabama’s defensive success.
3. Johni Broome, Auburn
Broome is an anchor for Auburn’s defense, with his length and timing being crucial to his shot-blocking skills. He averages nearly 2.5 blocks per game, deterring players from attacking the rim. His ability to control the glass and protect the paint sets him apart. Broome’s defensive presence has been essential for Auburn’s system.
4. Ace Baldwin Jr., Penn State
Baldwin, the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, returns to Penn State for a second season in 2024. He led the Big Ten in steals per game (2.67) and ranked top 5 nationally, cementing his reputation as an elite perimeter defender last year. Baldwin’s leadership on defense helped Penn State lead the conference in steals and 3-point defense. After transferring from VCU in 2023, Baldwin continues to be a dominant defender.
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5. Tamin Lipsey, Iowa State
Despite being just 6-foot-1, Lipsey is a relentless defender, averaging 2.7 steals per game last season. His high motor and hustle on both ends of the floor make him a standout for Iowa State, contributing 4.6 rebounds per game despite his size. Lipsey also excels offensively, averaging 12.4 points and 4.9 assists while shooting nearly 40% from three. His defensive instincts and versatility will be crucial as Iowa State competes for a Big 12 title.
6. Lamont Butler, Kentucky
Butler, the two-time Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year, transferred to Kentucky after a standout career at San Diego State. Known for his game-winning buzzer-beater in the 2023 Final Four, Butler is widely regarded as one of the best perimeter defenders in college basketball. He averaged 1.5 steals per game last season and has consistently been a defensive leader on championship-contending teams. Butler’s experience and elite defensive skills will make him a key asset for Kentucky in the upcoming season.
7. Zakai Zeigler, Tennessee
Zeigler, the 2023-24 SEC Defensive Player of the Year, is known for his relentless on-ball pressure and ability to disrupt opposing offenses. He led Tennessee with 1.9 steals per game last season, helping the Vols secure the SEC regular season title. Despite standing just 5-foot-9, Zeigler’s energy and defensive instincts make him one of the best perimeter defenders in the country. After recovering from a torn ACL, he’s back to anchoring Tennessee’s defense while also contributing offensively as a playmaker. Zeigler’s toughness and high motor have made him invaluable to the Vols.
8. Milos Uzan, Houston
🚨 It's Official 🚨
— Houston Men's Hoops 🏀 🐾 (@UHCougarMBK)
Calling all fans to welcome to the 7-1-3 x
Uzan, a transfer from Oklahoma, brings defensive versatility and playmaking skills to Houston. As a sophomore, he led Oklahoma with 4.3 assists per game while adding 9.0 points and 3.4 rebounds. Known for his defensive instincts, Uzan is expected to be a key piece for the Cougars’ defense in 2024-25. His ability to guard multiple positions and disrupt passing lanes will bolster Houston’s already strong defensive system.
9. Wade Taylor IV, Texas A&M
Taylor, the preseason SEC Player of the Year, returns to Texas A&M after a standout junior season where he averaged 19.1 points and 4 assists. His ability to apply pressure on both ends of the court makes him a key figure in Texas A&M’s system. Taylor’s return solidifies the team’s defensive and leadership foundation heading into 2024.
10. Yaxel Lendeborg, UAB
Lendeborg, the American Conference Defensive Player of the Year, returns to UAB after a dominant junior season where he averaged 13.8 points, 10.6 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game. He set program records for rebounds (370) and double-doubles (19), solidifying himself as one of the best interior defenders in the nation. Lendeborg’s defensive presence and rebounding ability were key in UAB’s American Conference tournament title and NCAA tournament berth. His return keeps UAB strong in the paint for 2024-25.
11. Jahmai Mashack, Tennessee
Mashack, known for his strong defensive skills, is set to take on a starting role for Tennessee after a solid junior season. He averaged 4.5 points, 3.1 rebounds and 0.8 steals per game while shooting 44.8% from the field. Mashack’s versatility on defense helped him lead or co-lead the team in steals seven times, and his offensive game continues to improve.
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12. Ugonna Onyenso, Kansas State
Onyenso, a 7-foot shot-blocking specialist, joins Kansas State after two seasons at Kentucky, where he tallied 82 blocks in 40 games. In 2023-24, he averaged 2.75 blocks per game, ranking among the top in the SEC and nationally. Known for his rim protection, Onyenso also contributed 4.8 rebounds per game and made 14 consecutive starts to close the season.
13. Kadary Richmond, St. John’s
Richmond, a 2024 All-Big East First Team selection, transfers to St. John’s after a strong season at Seton Hall, where he averaged 15.9 points, 7.0 rebounds and 5.1 assists. He played a key role in Seton Hall’s 2024 NIT title and is known for his versatility and defensive skills. At 6'6", Richmond brings size and experience to St. John’s backcourt under coach Rick Pitino. His all-around game makes him a valuable addition for the 2024-25 season.
14. Caleb Foster, Duke
Caleb Foster is returning to Duke 😈
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB)
After undergoing successful surgery, the second-year guard intends on playing another year in Durham 👏
Foster, a 4-star recruit, returns to Duke for his sophomore season after averaging 7.7 points, 2.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists as a freshman. Foster's ability to disrupt opposing guards and make plays on both ends of the floor will be key for the Blue Devils. Foster’s commitment and leadership will be crucial as Duke aims for a national championship with a stacked roster.
15. Aziz Bandaogo, Cincinnati
Bandaogo, a 2024 All-Big 12 honorable mention, returns to Cincinnati after testing the NBA draft waters. The 7-footer averaged 6.6 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game, finishing second in the Big 12 in blocks. Known for his defensive presence and efficient shooting (64.2%), Bandaogo will be a key rim protector for the Bearcats in the 2024-25 season.
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16. Felix Okpara, Tennessee
Okpara, a 6-foot-11 defensive standout, transferred to Tennessee after two seasons at Ohio State, where he averaged 6.6 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game. One of just five players in college basketball to block 80 shots last season, Okpara fills a key need for Tennessee’s frontcourt. Okpara has two years of eligibility remaining.
