The Northeast Conference (NEC) Men's Basketball Defensive Player of the Year is an award given to the basketball player in the Northeast Conference voted as the best defensive player.

The award was first given after the 1999–2000 season.

Wagner has won the award the most, at six times[1] and Kenneth Ortiz of Wagner has won the award the most of any individual, at three times.

[1] In addition, three players have won the award twice: Mychal Kearse of Mount St. Mary's, Tristan Blackwood of Central Connecticut, and Amdy Fall of St. Francis Brooklyn.

[1]