It's Academic. Big Ben is NBA's Top Defense

Ben Wallace. NBA Defensive Player of the Year.

Everybody expected that frame of thought since Big Ben got out of Orlando.

For the fourth time in five years, Wallace, the Pistons' defensive specialist, has earned the honor. He will be presented with the award before Tuesday night's game against Cleveland at The Palace.

Wallace and Dikembe Mutombo are now the only two players in NBA history to win the award four times.

Wallace, who has known about the honor for several days, tried to look surprised about the news when asked by reporters following the Pistons' 113-86 destruction of the Cavaliers in the first game of their second round best-of-seven series.

''That means a lot, if that's what it is. You sure about that? Don't get me excited about nothing, now,'' Ben Wallace jokes.

''You know, that's where my pride and joy is at, on the defensive end, being able to get stops, being able to come up with the basketball to help my team win,'' Wallace added.

Wallace had 11 rebounds and a game-high four blocked shots against the Cavaliers in Game 1.

The Pistons' other Wallace, Rasheed Wallace, became animated and extremely vocal in his mock surprise when asked about Wallace's fourth Defensive Player of the Year award.

''They gave that to him again?'' Rasheed Wallace said, loud enough so that Ben Wallace could hear as he exited the locker room.

''Ah, dog, that's felonious. It's felonious. Fe-lone-e-us. He was not even in my top three. Honestly, they only gave it to him because we the Pistons,'' 'Sheed jokes.

Of course, Rasheed Wallace could not refrain from real praise for his teammate.

''No, that says a lot,'' said Rasheed, who had 10 points and seven rebounds. ''That's a damn good accolade to have. That's going to be some spotlight in his trophy case when he retires. He's got the belt and the rings and the defensive trophy.''

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