University of North Carolina Athletics
Photo by: Jeffrey A. Camarati
Nivar Tabbed To Naismith Defensive Player Of The Year Watchlist
January 27, 2026 | Women's Basketball
ATLANTA – Elevating her game and establishing herself as a defensive force, Indya Nivar's efforts have been recognized as the North Carolina guard has been named to the 2026 Naismith Women's College Defensive Player of the Year Presented by MOLECULE Watch List. Nivar is one of 25 nationally and one of five from the ACC to be named as a finalist for this season's prestigious award.
Posting eye-popping numbers all season long, Nivar is one of the nation's most premier defenders. Currently, the senior ranks No. 13 nationally with a total of 65 steals and 24th overall with an average of 2.95 swipes per game.
At the 2025 Cancun Challenge, Nivar not only recorded the second triple-double in Carolina Women's Basketball history but also matched the program's single-game steals record. Against South Dakota State, Nivar totaled 13 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 steals in a historic performance. She is one of four players in the history of the Atlantic Coast Conference to accomplish the feat with steals.
This season, Nivar has snagged three or more steals in 12 games and is currently averaging 2.1 steals per game in conference action. She's leading a Carolina squad with 10.0 steals per game to rank fourth in the league.
Nivar's defensive efforts set the tone for the team, as the Tar Heels lead the ACC in league play by limiting their opponents to a mere 35.8% from the field. This season, Carolina is 12-0 when holding opponents to a field goal percentage below 40%.
The Tar Heels and Nivar return to action on Monday, Feb. 2, for an in-state showdown at NC State. Tip against the Wolfpack from Reynolds Coliseum is set for 6 p.m. ET, airing on ESPN2.
Posting eye-popping numbers all season long, Nivar is one of the nation's most premier defenders. Currently, the senior ranks No. 13 nationally with a total of 65 steals and 24th overall with an average of 2.95 swipes per game.
At the 2025 Cancun Challenge, Nivar not only recorded the second triple-double in Carolina Women's Basketball history but also matched the program's single-game steals record. Against South Dakota State, Nivar totaled 13 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 steals in a historic performance. She is one of four players in the history of the Atlantic Coast Conference to accomplish the feat with steals.
This season, Nivar has snagged three or more steals in 12 games and is currently averaging 2.1 steals per game in conference action. She's leading a Carolina squad with 10.0 steals per game to rank fourth in the league.
Nivar's defensive efforts set the tone for the team, as the Tar Heels lead the ACC in league play by limiting their opponents to a mere 35.8% from the field. This season, Carolina is 12-0 when holding opponents to a field goal percentage below 40%.
The Tar Heels and Nivar return to action on Monday, Feb. 2, for an in-state showdown at NC State. Tip against the Wolfpack from Reynolds Coliseum is set for 6 p.m. ET, airing on ESPN2.
Players Mentioned
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