Keita named to Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Watch List

The senior is one of five players from the Big 12 on the list.

Author Tyson Jex
BYU's Keba Keita celebrates during BYU's win over rival Utah.BYU's Keba Keita celebrates during BYU's win over rival Utah.
Nate Edwards

PROVO, Utah – BYU’s Keba Keita was one of 25 players named to the 2026 Naismith  Men's College Defensive Player of the Year Watch List, the Atlanta Tipoff Club announced on Thursday morning.

The native from Bamako, Mali has a team-high 34 blocks in 18 games this season with 91 of his 141 rebounds coming on the defensive glass. According to CBB Analytics, he ranks in the 97th percentile in Hakeem percentage (12.7), 96thpercentile in defensive rebound percentage (25.0) and 95th in block percentage (9.8).

Keita has recorded multiple blocks nine times including a seven-block performance in BYU’s win over Miami at the Terry’s Chocolate ESPN Invitational in Orlando. Six of those blocks came in the second half which is the second-most in any half in program history.

In 53 games as a Cougar, Keita ranks third in program history in blocks per game (1.40) while his 75 blocks which are tied for the 18th most in program history with Fred Roberts.

Keita and the Cougars face No. 14 Kansas at Allen Fieldhouse on Saturday, Jan. 31. Tip is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. CT on ESPN.