Blue Ridge School is proud to celebrate the continued success of alumnus Maliq Brown ‘22, who has been named the recipient of the 2026 Lefty Driesell Award, presented annually to the top defensive player in Division I college basketball.
Now a standout at Duke University, Brown has emerged as one of the most dominant defensive forces in the country. The 6-foot-9 senior anchored the nation’s top-ranked defense this season, finishing with an elite 8.3 defensive box plus-minus, one of the best marks ever recorded.
“Maliq Brown was the best on-ball defender in college basketball,” said Angela Lento, Vice President of College Insider, Inc. “His defensive prowess made the Blue Devils the best defensive team in the country. His intensity and toughness made him a difference maker.”
Brown’s impact shows up across every category. He recorded 68 steals on the season and led the ACC in steal percentage (5.61%), ranking second nationally. His activity and anticipation were unmatched, totaling 195 deflections, an average of 5.3 per game, and accounting for more than 32% of his team’s total.
He delivered standout performances throughout the year, including matching his career-high with five steals against both Texas Tech and rival North Carolina. Brown recorded two or more steals in 23 games this season, consistently disrupting opposing offenses.
In addition to his perimeter dominance, Brown protected the rim with authority, posting a season-high four blocks in the NCAA Tournament against St. John’s. He concluded his collegiate career with 77 blocks and 198 steals.
His efforts earned him both ACC Defensive Player of the Year and Sixth Man of the Year honors, further recognition of his versatility and impact.
The Lefty Driesell Award is named in honor of legendary coach Charles “Lefty” Driesell, whose teams were known for their relentless defensive intensity across a Hall of Fame career spanning more than four decades.
A Blue Ridge Foundation
At Blue Ridge School, we emphasize discipline, effort, and accountability, qualities that have clearly defined Maliq’s game at the highest level. His recognition as the nation’s top defensive player is a testament not only to his talent, but to his work ethic and commitment to excellence.
“We’re excited for Maliq and not surprised,” says BRS head basketball coach Cade Lemcke. “From the moment he arrived on campus, we knew he was special. We’re proud of his immediate impact at Syracuse—leading the ACC in steals and earning All-Defensive honors—and how that continued at Duke. Being named ACC Defensive Player of the Year and Sixth Man of the Year, along with the Lefty Driesell Award, is the icing on the cake to this chapter of his career.”
We are incredibly proud to count Maliq Brown among our alumni and look forward to following his continued success on and off the court.
