Duquesne’s Megan McConnell Named to DPOY Watch List

Megan McConnell is one of the best defenders in the country.

The Duquesne standout guard leads the nation in steals per game with 4.18 per contest. Now, she is being recognized for her tremendous defensive skill set and effort.

On Thursday, McConnell was named to the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Award watch list, along with 14 other players. As noted by Duquesne in a press release, McConnell is the only mid-major player to make the watch list.

She is also averaging 7.1 rebounds per game, which ranks ninth in the Atlantic 10. She leads the league in assists, steals, and points per game, too. According to Duquesne, McConnell is the shortest player in the top-100 rebounders in the country at 5-foot-7.

Check out the full list below.

Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Watch List
Lauren Betts UCLA
Talaysia Cooper Tennessee
Rori Harmon Texas
Hannah Hidalgo Notre Dame
Ayoka Lee Kansas State
Rayah Marshall USC
Megan McConnell Duquesne
Aneesah Morrow LSU
Khamil Pierre Vanderbilt
Sedona Prince TCU
JJ Quinerly West Virginia
Taylor Thierry Ohio State
Makayla Timpson Florida State
JuJu Watkins USC
Serah Williams Wisconsin

This is McConnell’s second recognition of the week.

McConnell also earned a position on the 2025-25 Ann Meyers Drysdale Award midseason watch list, the USBWA announced on Tuesday.

McConnell is one of 50 players in consideration for the award.

“A very noteworthy acknowledgment for an incredible young woman,” said HC Dan Burt in a press release. “Megan has earned every moment to shine. The consummate leader and teammate, Meg is the most improved player and the best player I’ve coached in 28 years of Division I basketball. We are so happy for Meg and the attention she is bringing to herself, our program, and our university.”