Butler junior guard Aaron Thompson has been named to the 2020 Midseason Team for Naismith Men's Defensive Player of the Year. Thompson is one of only 15 players to be recognized.

Thompson has helped Butler to a 15-4 record so far this season as the Bulldogs are currently ranked 12^th and 13^th, respectively, in the national polls. Butler's defense is surrendering only 58.1 points per game this season, which is fifth nationally. Having earned his reputation as one of the nation's best on-ball defenders, Thompson is second on the Bulldogs in both steals and blocks this season.

On the offensive end, Thompson ranks second in the BIG EAST in assist/turnover ratio and third in assists.

The Atlanta Tip-off Club will announce the winners of all Naismith Awards during the Division I Championship game weekend at the Naismith Awards Brunch presented by Invesco QQQ, which will be held at the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta on Sunday, April 5.

2020 Midseason Team for Naismith Men's Defensive Player of the Year:

Tyler Bey, Jr., G/F, Colorado
Mamadi Diakite, Sr., F, Virginia
Marcus Garrett, Jr., G, Kansas
Jacob Gilyard, Jr., G, Richmond
Ashton Hagans, So., G, Kentucky
Tre Jones, So., G, Duke
Kylor Kelley, Sr., F, Oregon State
Quincy McKnight, Sr., G, Seton Hall
Davion Mitchell, So., G, Baylor
Fatts Russell, Jr., G, Rhode Island
Zavier Simpson, Sr., G, Michigan
Aaron Thompson, Jr., G, Butler
Devin Vassell, So., G, Florida State
Mark Vital, Jr., G/F, Baylor
Mike Watkins, Sr., F, Penn State