Penn State's Ace Baldwin Jr. Named Big Ten's Top Defensive Player
Penn State point guard Ace Baldwin Jr. has proven his defensive skills in two basketball conferences. A year after being named the Atlantic 10's top defensive player, Baldwin was named Big Ten defensive player of the year for the 2023-24 season. Interestingly, Baldwin was not named first- or second-team all-Big Ten. Baldwin was Penn State's lone third-team selection, while three players earned honorable mention.
Baldwin, who transferred from VCU to Penn State after head coach Mike Rhoades made the same move, thrived in his first Big Ten season. He led the conference in both steals (84) and steals per game (2.7), ranking fourth and fifth nationally in those categories. He also fronted a pressing Penn State defense that led the Big Ten in steals and ranked second in turnover margin. Baldwin often earned praise from opposing coaches for being consistently disruptive. He was named to the watch list for the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year award.
Baldwin averages 14.3 points and 6 assists per game and has scored in double figures in 13 straight games. He was particularly effective against Indiana, totaling 45 points and 17 assists in two games this season. If it beats Michigan in Wednesday's first round of the Big Ten Tournament, Penn State would face Indiana in Thursday's second round.
Baldwin is eligible to return to Penn State next season. He has not announced a decision.
Penn State's Qudus Wahab, Nick Kern Jr. and Zach Hicks received all-conference honorable mention. Puff Johnson won the Big Ten's sportsmanship award.
Up next
Penn State, seeded 11th, meets 14th-seeded Michigan in the first round of the Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament. Tip-off is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET Wednesday on Peacock.
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