Photo by: Zoie Joslin/Texas A&M Athletics/Texas A&M Athletics
Pryor Named to Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Late-Season Team
Feb 26, 2026 | Women's Basketball
ROSEWELL, Ga. – Texas A&M's Ny'Ceara Pryor was named to the 2026 Naismith Women's College Defensive Player of the Year Late-Season Team, the Atlanta Tipoff Club announced Thursday.
Pryor is leading the SEC in steals per game at 3.6. During league play, Pryor has recorded multiple steals in every game and could become just the third SEC player to have multi-steals in all 16 conference games. The previous two were LSU's Raigyne (Moncrief) Louis (2016-17) and Kentucky's Victoria Dunlap (2010-11). Both Louis and Dunlap were named SEC Defensive Player of the Year during their respective seasons.
The Baltimore native is one of 15 players on the list, eight of which are from the SEC. Nationally, Pryor's steals per game mark is No. 6 in the country. The senior has led the NCAA in the category twice during her career while at Sacred Heart, during the 2022-23 and 2024-25 campaigns.
Offensively, Pryor is leading the team with 15.9 points per game and 7.1 assists each night. Her assists per game output is second in the SEC and No. 5 nationally. The Aggie is tied for the lead in the country in double-doubles (7) in points and assists. Pryor has had three-consecutive double-doubles with points and assists, becoming the first SEC player to accomplish the feat in league play in 17 years.
The Aggies host their final home game of the season versus Mississippi State Thursday, Feb. 26 at 7 p.m. inside Reed Arena.
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Pryor is leading the SEC in steals per game at 3.6. During league play, Pryor has recorded multiple steals in every game and could become just the third SEC player to have multi-steals in all 16 conference games. The previous two were LSU's Raigyne (Moncrief) Louis (2016-17) and Kentucky's Victoria Dunlap (2010-11). Both Louis and Dunlap were named SEC Defensive Player of the Year during their respective seasons.
The Baltimore native is one of 15 players on the list, eight of which are from the SEC. Nationally, Pryor's steals per game mark is No. 6 in the country. The senior has led the NCAA in the category twice during her career while at Sacred Heart, during the 2022-23 and 2024-25 campaigns.
Offensively, Pryor is leading the team with 15.9 points per game and 7.1 assists each night. Her assists per game output is second in the SEC and No. 5 nationally. The Aggie is tied for the lead in the country in double-doubles (7) in points and assists. Pryor has had three-consecutive double-doubles with points and assists, becoming the first SEC player to accomplish the feat in league play in 17 years.
The Aggies host their final home game of the season versus Mississippi State Thursday, Feb. 26 at 7 p.m. inside Reed Arena.
Follow the Aggies
Visit for more information on Texas A&M women's basketball. Fans can keep up to date with the A&M women's basketball team on Facebook, Instagram/Threads and X by following @AggieWBB.
Players Mentioned
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/ Women's BasketballMississippi State Preview: Joni Taylor, Fats Janneh, Ny Pryor
Wednesday, February 25
Watch: Aggie Basketball Hour with Joni Taylor
Monday, February 23
Arkansas Postgame: Joni Taylor, Lauren Ware, Janae Kent
Sunday, February 22
Highlights: Texas A&M 78, Arkansas 57
Sunday, February 22
