Mark Vital Named Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Finalist

Mark Vital was named one of four finalist for the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year award.

The other finalists are Marcus Garrett (Kansas), Ashton Haagan (Kentucky) and Tre Jones (Duke).

Vital led Baylor’s defense, which finished No. 4 in adjusted defensive efficiency. He was a unanimous selection to the Big 12’s All-Defense team.

Vital would be a worthy selection for this award. He could guard all five positions and allowed Baylor to easily switch pick-and-rolls involving him.

The other three are incredible defenders too. My guess is that Garrett will win this award as he’s won most of the media awards for best defensive player.