NBL: Top Five Defensive Players of the Year

A look at who contributed the most on defence in NBL25, plus some honourable mentions.

Ranking defensive players involves weighing up positional value, roles, impact of best performances compared to consistency, and season-long contributions. There’s a challenge in quantifying defensive contributions compared to offence, but that’s part of the fun in the debate.

Of last season’s contenders, Ariel Hukporti left for the NBA, Sam McDaniel logged just 14 minutes total, Bul Kuol has had an indifferent season, Will Magnay picked up a midseason injury, and some of Kristian Doolittle’s energy has shifted more toward offence, becoming a one-on-one scoring giant.

Credit: JBC Studios

Shea Ili remains, Xavier Cooks and Jack White have returned and made significant contributions, alongside some new faces and younger players improving considerably.