Liam Byrnes was named the BIG EAST Conference Defensive Player of the Year today, solidifying his selection as the conference’s Preseason Co-Defensive Player of the Year selection at the start of the season. He’s the first Marquette player to receive a major post-season award in program history.
Byrnes led the BIG EAST Conference in forced turnovers per game (2.23) and finished third on the team in loose balls, the most among Marquette defensemen. He is the program’s all-time leader in both categories.
Byrnes and Ryan McNamara were both nominated to the All-BIG EAST First Team, while Conor Gately, B.