Aaron Craft named 2014 Big Ten Defensive Player of the year

Aaron Craft has been a leader in #Grit and #Hustle for Ohio State, if not the conference, for years, and has regularly been lauded as one of the best defenders in the country. Apparently, the Big Ten agrees, as first reported by 97.1 The Fan's Paul Keels , Craft was named the 2014 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year.

Craft led the Buckeyes with a career high 2.6 steals per game, to go with his 9.5 points and 4.6 assists per game, which also leads the team. Craft picked up seven steals earlier this season against American University, and six in a critical league win at Iowa. With his four steals against Michigan State, Craft is now the Big Ten's all time career leader in steals.

Craft was named conference defensive player of the year last season as well, and was the 2012-2013 Big Ten Tournament MVP. Craft is also a three-time Academic All-American.

While Craft's defensive efforts have certainly been noticed on the box scores, his role in anchoring the best team defense in the Big Ten, and one of the best in the country, is also significant. Offensive flaws and all, this team would have not have enjoyed the level of success that it has over the last few seasons without the defensive efforts of Craft.

Congrats on another well deserved award.