Gabby Williams closed out the FIBA Women's World Cup 2026 by winning the Best Defensive Player award. The nod marks her second defensive award in a row after the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Gabby Williams Dominates on Defense During FIBA World Cup 2026
The French guard averaged 2.8 steals per game across six contests against top teams in Berlin. Despite routinely shadowing the opposing team's best scorer, Williams still posted 18.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game.
That two-way production also earned her a spot on the FIBA Women's World Cup awards All-Star Five.
Williams stayed disruptive on both ends of the court throughout the knockout rounds. Her ball pressure forced turnovers, and her quickness closed passing lanes as France swept group play. Though her side eventually fell to the US 97-79 in Sunday's gold medal game, Williams made life difficult for the team's backcourt.
Williams Builds Best Defensive Player Reputation in WNBA
The 30-year-old Golden State Valkyries forward has built a similar reputation in the WNBA.
She led the league in steals in 2025 while subsequently earning All-Defensive First Team honors that season. With back-to-back international defensive awards now in hand, the former UConn women's basketball standout will look to repeat as the WNBA picks back up following FIBA World Cup play.
