March 7, 2006

By AARON BEARD
AP Sports Writer

DURHAM, N.C. (AP) - Once again, Duke's Shelden Williams was the Atlantic Coast Conference's most imposing defensive force.

The 6-foot-9 senior was the runaway choice as The Associated Press defensive player of the year in the conference Tuesday, earning the honor for the second-straight season. Williams earned 102 of 106 votes from members of the Atlantic Coast Sports Media Association, easily outdistancing Clemson's Vernon Hamilton (three votes) and teammate Sean Dockery.

Williams, who was named defensive player of the year as a junior by the National Association of Basketball Coaches, has led the league in blocked shots for three straight seasons and has been a rugged inside presence to complement the Blue Devils' aggressive pressure defense.

It's a role Williams enjoys.

"If I see my teammates getting beat, they can trust that I'm there for a last line of defense," Williams said. "Being there to help them out is a great feeling."

Williams was an unanimous first-team all-ACC pick this season while averaging 18.8 points and a league-best 10.4 rebounds per game. Defensively, Williams averaged 3.7 blocks, giving him 397 heading into the ACC tournament to set Duke's career mark and rank fifth on the ACC's all-time list.

He also has 58 steals this year to rank fourth in the ACC at 1.9 per game, a significant step up from his previous season-high of 42 and indicative of his efforts to improve his defense outside the paint.

"I think I've evolved because I'm more than just a shot blocker," Williams said. "I've been involved in those plays where I'm not just the last line of defense. I can also go in and get steals and play perimeter defense."

Williams seemed content to play that role while others - namely fellow senior J.J. Redick - got the attention for the Blue Devils run to the ACC regular-season title. Redick, who was named the ACC's top player for the second straight year Tuesday, called Williams "my ACC player of the year" and said Williams is more concerned with adding another national championship banner to the rafters at Cameron Indoor Stadium.

"He's handled it like a man, he's been very mature about it," Redick said. "We talked the other day and he just looked at me and said, 'I just want one of those (banners) up there.' I think we're in the same boat in that regard. Neither of us are worried about who's getting what kind of attention."