Miami's Black Named Top Defensive Player for 2001
NEW YORK, Aug. 17 -- Miami Sol guard Debbie Black, who led the WNBA in steals (2.56 spg) during the regular season, has been named the 2001 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year.
Defensive Player of the Year Debbie Black in action: 28.8+ | ISDN+ |
In addition to leading the league in steals, Black topped the Sol with 3.8 assists per game (T-9th in the WNBA) and averaged 5.6 points and 3.9 rebounds in the regular season, helping Miami (20-12) secure its first postseason bid. The 5-3 point guard spearheaded a defensive unit that held opponents to 59.3 points per game, second only to Cleveland in points allowed.
As the WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, Black will receive a Tiffany-designed trophy and $5,000. The 60-member voting panel consisted of 12 national media representatives, as well as media representatives from each of the league's 16 markets who cover the WNBA regularly.
Below are the complete results of the 2001 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year vote and past recipients:
Defensive Player of the Year Results
Votes | Player | Team |
22 | Debbie Black | Miami Sol |
14 | Yolanda Griffith | Sacramento Monarchs |
7 | Mery Andrade | Cleveland Rockers |
5 | Lisa Leslie | Los Angeles Sparks |
4 | Margo Dydek | Utah Starzz |
3 | Katie Smith | Minnesota Lynx |
1 | Allison Feaster | Charlotte Sting |
1 | Lisa Harrison | Phoenix Mercury |
1 | Taj McWilliams-Franklin | Orlando Miracle |
1 | DeLisha Milton | Los Angeles Sparks |
1 | Teresa Weatherspoon | New York Liberty |
Defensive Player of the Year Winners
2000 -- Sheryl Swoopes, Houston Comets
1999 -- Yolanda Griffith, Sacramento Monarchs
1998 -- Teresa Weatherspoon, New York Liberty
1997 -- Teresa Weatherspoon, New York Liberty