Penn State men’s basketball point guard Ace Baldwin Jr. was named to the Naismith National Defensive Player of the Year Watch List, the organization announced Wednesday.

The 6’2″ fifth-year senior was the lone representative of the Big Ten, and one of 15 overall players on the list, eight of who are guards. This season, Baldwin is averaging two steals per game after racking up 2.7 per contest last season. Baldwin has also put up 14 points and 7.7 assists per contest this year.

The Baltimore, Maryland, native was also recently named a finalist for the Bob Cousy Award and put on the midseason watch list for the Oscar Robertson Trophy.

Penn State fell to Minnesota 69-61 on Tuesday, marking the Nittany Lions’ eighth loss in the past nine games.

About the Author

Michael Siroty

Michael Siroty is a junior from Westfield, New Jersey, majoring in broadcast journalism. When he isn't writing articles or making TikToks for Onward State, Siroty is probably somewhere talking about college sports. You can contact him to discuss your sushi order or music taste on Instagram and X @msiroty or by email at mfs6682@psu.edu.

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