No. 2 Indiana women’s basketball senior forward Mackenzie Holmes was named the 2022-23 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, the conference announced Tuesday.
Holmes averaged 7.4 rebounds, 1.9 blocks and one steal per game throughout the season. In Big Ten play, those numbers rose to 7.6 rebounds, 2.2 blocks and 1.4 steals per game. Holmes co-led the Big Ten in blocks per game.
Holmes’ impact was more than just individual. The leader of the Hoosiers’ defense, Indiana led the Big Ten in points allowed per game — an average of 60.9 points. Additionally, the Hoosiers were second in the conference in opponent field goal percentage at 39%.
As DPOY, Holmes was named to the Big Ten All-Defensive Team for the second time in her career. In the 2020-21 season, Holmes was selected by the media only, averaging career-highs 7.6 rebounds and 2.96 blocks per game.
Follow reporters Will Foley (@foles24) and Matt Sebree (@mattsebree) and columnist Matt Press (@MattPress23) for updates throughout the Indiana women’s basketball season.
