Tyran Walker Named NBLC Defensive Player of the Year
Published on May 19, 2022 under National Basketball League of Canada (NBL Canada) News Release
Athletic big man Tyran Walker of the KW Titans, the league's most intimidating presence in the paint, has been named NBL Canada Defensive Player of the Year, league officials announced today.
"Ty has always been one of those different types of players that us coaches can't wait to work with," said Neal Foreman, Titans head coach and Director Player Personnel. "He allows you to expand your strategies and really get creative within the game."
Photo Credit: Dan Congdon
In 2022, the Columbus, Ohio, native averaged 5.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game. He finished tops in the league in blocked shots (86), fifth in the league in total rebounds (159), and fourth in defensive rebounds (132). In only his second season, the 7-footer now sits at No. 8 among NBL Canada all-time blocks leaders.
Foreman continued, "He had a list of goals that he put down at the onset of the season, and this is one that he can check off his list. Going forward, I can see Ty being an ambassador for the team and the region. Personally, I'm glad we had the chance to work together again."
The former Mr. North Carolina Basketball (2008) played four years with the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. Despite going undrafted in the 2012 NBA Draft, he has done stints in the NBA G League with the Maine Redclaws, Erie BayHawks, Reno Bighorns, Iowa Energy, and Stockton Kings. His international career has included stops in Poland, Japan, Chile, the Middle East, Slovakia.
"Tyran came into the season focused on what he wanted to accomplish - he wanted to be the dominant force inside. He has become that and more," said Audley Stephenson, NBLC VP of Basketball Operations. "He wanted it. He worked for it. Now, he has shown will not make it easy for anyone who wants to come in the paint for an easy bucket because he has other things in mind."
Walker is the first member of the KW Titans to win the award. Previous winners of the NBL Canada Defensive Player of the Year Award include:
2011-12 | Al Stewart, Summerside Storm
2012-13 | Al Stewart, Summerside Storm
2013-14 | Cavell Johnson, Brampton A's
2014-15 | Kevin Young, Halifax Rainmen
2015-16 | Anthony Stover, Saint John Mill Rats
2016-17 | Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson, Orangeville A's
2017-18 | Du'Vaughn Maxwell, Island Storm
2018-19 | Rhamel Brown, Halifax Hurricanes
2019-20 | Marcus Capers, London Lightning
All player award winners will receive their own customized championship ring courtesy of long-time NBL Canada partner and playoff sponsor, Baron Championship Rings.
National Basketball League of Canada Stories from May 19, 2022
- Tyran Walker Named NBLC Defensive Player of the Year - NBL Canada
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