Kansas City, Mo. - Jaxson Fugate of Indiana Tech played a big role defensively for the Warriors, picking up the first defensive player of the week award of the 2025-26 season.

Over the first three games of the season, the sophomore forward secured 20 total boards, averaging 6.7 per game. He also added four steals and nine total blocks as the Warriors open the season 2-1.

Fugate opened the season with a three-game high nine rebounds against IU Northwest (Ind.) in an 83-74 win. He also added three steals and three blocks in the game. Against Spring Arbor (Mich.) just days later, he grabbed eight more boards with a pair of blocks. Then, on Nov. 1, he secured three rebounds, adding one steal and a week-high four blocks.

In total, Fugate owned the lane with 20 boards, four steals, and nine blocks while he also dished out eight assists.

NAIA Men's Basketball Defensive Players of the Week are announced every Tuesday throughout the season, with the final player of the week for the first half of the season being released on December 9. Check out more on the 2025-26 player of the week honors and past winners at naia.org.