Tyler Bey named Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year

Despite the rough finish to the 2019-20 season, Colorado Buffaloes forward Tyler Bey has been named Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year.

Bey was a defensive monster this season. At 6’7 with length and athleticism, Bey can guard anyone in the conference, and it’s his range that makes him the backbone of the CU defense.

Those quick hands grabbed 1.5 steals and 1.2 blocks. His leaping ability was good for a Pac-12 best 9.0 boards per game and a sterling 28% defensive rebounding rate. Put it all together and Bey had a 85.0 defensive rating, 9th best in the country and best in the Pac-12.

Bey joins André Roberson as the only Buffs to win Pac-12 DPOY. Bey was being compared to Roberson his first day on campus, so it’s fun to see Bey realize that potential en route to an award.

Bey was additionally named Second Team All-Pac-12. That is somewhat disappointing considering he was First Team last season, but this is probably fair in a conference loaded with elite forwards.