Kenyon Martin didn't really know there was an award for defensive player of the year in Conference USA until his teammates began telling him he deserved it. He was aware there was such an honor among the Cincinnati Bearcats, and knew the competition on his own team would be tough enough.
UC coach Bob Huggins could have nominated guard Melvin Levett, forward Bobby Brannen or possibly point guard Michael Horton and seen his guy win, but Martin is the player ''who makes our defense work,'' Huggins said. ''He changes everything around the basket.''
A 6-8 sophomore center from Dallas, Martin became the first UC player to win the honor, following Louisville's Alvin Sims and Tick Rogers. He is the first frontcourt player chosen.
Martin is UC's most spectacular defender, with a league-leading 63 blocks (2.5 per game). But he's also proud of his ability to carry out his assignment in the UC game plan.
Martin compiled 54 of his blocks in the final 18 games - an average of 3.0. Early in the season, he struggled to decide when to chase blocks and when to position himself under the boards.
''Coach Huggins told me to just go after the ones I know I can get,'' Martin said.
Martin rarely gambles his way into foul trouble; he was disqualified from three games and played 25 or more minutes in 11 of UC's 16 league games. ''It's all about paying attention to the scouting report,'' Martin said.
In high school, Martin said, he enjoyed defense in the sense that he liked to swat down shots attempted by smaller players. Since arriving at UC, he has learned there is more to defending the basket.
''You need five people to play defense, for one,'' Martin said. ''It's something you have to really be willing to do. If you're not willing to guard, it's not going to come to you.''
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