Gustin named to Naismith Defensive Player of the Year watch list

ATLANTA — BYU women's basketball junior forward Lauren Gustin was named to the 2023 Naismith Women's Defensive Player of the Year award watch list, the organization announced on Tuesday. 

One of fifteen on the list, Gustin leads the nation in total rebounds (325), rebounds per game (16.2) and defensive rebounds per game (11.8). The Salem, Utah native is also No. 6 in offensive rebounds per game, at 4.4. Gustin is averaging a double-double on the year, putting up 15.8 points and grabbing 16.3 boards. She also has 14 blocks and 12 steals this season. 

The Naismith Awards presents the Defensive Player of the Year award annually to the most outstanding men’s and women’s defensive basketball player who achieves tremendous on-court success. National semifinalists for the award will be announced on Feb. 27, with the finalists announced on March 13. Winners of the Naismith Player, Defensive Player and Coach of the Year will be awarded on March 29.