UConn's Silas Demary Jr. is making waves in college basketball, earning a spot on the Naismith Men's College Defensive Player of the Year Late-Season Team. This recognition, announced by the Atlanta Tipoff Club, highlights Demary Jr. as one of the 15 elite defensive players, and notably, one of only two from the BIG EAST.
This junior guard has been pivotal in UConn's defensive resurgence, acting as the linchpin of their top-10 ranked defensive unit. The Huskies have climbed to the ninth spot in Kenpom's defensive efficiency rankings, a significant leap from last year’s 75th place finish.
Demary Jr. is not just about the numbers, though his 1.7 steals per game place him among the BIG EAST's best. His influence extends far beyond, as UConn has managed to hold opponents to an average of just 5.8 made three-pointers per game, ranking eighth nationally, with opponents shooting a mere 30.0 percent from beyond the arc. The team also boasts a sixth-best national ranking in effective field goal percentage defense at 44.6, while limiting teams to 44.9 percent on two-point attempts.
Under Demary Jr.'s leadership, UConn has become a defensive powerhouse, ranking in the top 15 for scoring defense by allowing only 65.1 points per game. The Huskies are leading the BIG EAST in both scoring margin and rebound margin, with figures of +13.9 and +5.0, respectively. Their defensive strategy, funneling opponents into the paint, has resulted in an impressive eighth-ranked block rate of 15.8 percent and 10th in the nation for blocks per game at 5.6.
The recent game against No. 15 St.
John's was a testament to their defensive prowess. UConn held the Red Storm to a mere 40 points on 19.6 percent shooting, dominating with a 32-point victory.
Demary Jr. was instrumental in a defensive stand that saw St. John's fail to make a basket in the final 17:28 of the game, missing their last 24 shots.
This marked the first time a top-15 team was held under 20 percent shooting since 2014, and the first for UConn since their 2011 National Championship game.
Demary Jr.'s impact is undeniable, and his defensive mastery is a key factor in UConn's impressive season.