Best Available: Top Defenders
The class of 2017 is starting to come off the board with over 40 players already committed. However, there are tons of players still available and looking to make decisions this spring. We are breaking down players into the best…
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Continue ReadingThe class of 2017 is starting to come off the board with over 40 players already committed. However, there are tons of players still available and looking to make decisions this spring. We are breaking down players into the best of the best. This time around, we look at the top defenders.
Conner Brens – 6’6 | PF | Plainfield
Brens is a little undersized in terms of height but he has such a great body with so much strength that he can matchup with anyone in the low block. He’s a smart defender too, who knows how to deny entry passes, box-out, and even capable of coming out to hedge or close-out. At the next level where he’s going to be paired up with more players his size, he’s going to have a chance to impact the game from the first day as he’s as physically ready as anyone on this list.
Connor Wasburn – 6’7 | PF | Fishers
Washburn is a special type of defender that could translate into different levels and leagues. He’s not great yet at his lateral quickness but he’s really quick getting up and the down the floor and has a ton of athleticism and length that he can play against better athletes and more skill. He’s a great shot blocker in the post and can hang with athletic wings and post better than most. Does well boxing out and uses his length well to rebound over the top. Has more upside on defense still to draw out.
Davontae Kinnie – 5’9 | PG | Fort Wayne North
Kinnie is one of the quickest players in the state and that does well to help him on the defensive end. He overwhelms opposing offenses and more often than not, he can speed them up and create turnovers. His lack of height means that it usually results in a bad pass where he can breakout for an easy layup. Best on the ball, Kinnie will make a defender work to get open to try and catch and shoot and never really get a clean look. He’s also a decent rebounder for a guard as well.
Emmanuel Little – 6’6 | SF | North Central
Little has really emerged on the offensive side of the ball but defense has been his calling card for a while now. He’s a big, physical wing that can play all over the floor and this year he’s defended almost every position. He’s a pretty good transition shot blocker and a great defensive rebounder when locked in. He’s so big and physical that even post players really can’t matchup with him even if they are a lot taller. He’s got bounds of energy and he’s using it more and more.
Grant Smith – 6’5 | SF | Connersville
Grant is about as versatile a player as you might get in this class next to Mike Valle. He’s really athletic and has such good lateral quickness that he can defend guards on drives, wings with his size, and posts with his athleticism and energy. In college that won’t be as prevalent but he’ll still be able to play a few different places on the floor due to his offense. He does so much with his athleticism that he can win rebounds, steal the ball, block shots, and much more.
Jalen Adaway – 6’5 | SF | Logansport
Adaway is one of, if not the best athletes in the state. He’s also one of the best shot blockers and rebounders as well. He’s able to sky for rebounds and get them over the top of players before they even have a chance. He’s also able to sky in transition for big blocks. Jalen has improved also on close-outs and has made him a better blocker on the wings which has turned into less shots being taken against him. Does well against some speed and size doesn’t really bother him either.
Landon Hall – 6’4 | SF | Brownsburg
Landon is one of the smartest players in the state and it shows in nearly every game. He doesn’t waste movement but can then explode to make a play. He has very underrated athleticism and good quickness laterally that he does well defending guards and wings. Good on-ball defender that doesn’t rack up fouls and can shut down opposing players for long stretches. Best on the perimeter and that will likely translate really well into the next level.
Mateo Rivera – 6’0 | PG | North Central
Rivera is a big, tough guard that can overpower offenses and speed them up. He’s a big guard and anyone that is smaller than him really struggles getting through him because he’s quick enough that he can always been in the way on drives. He’s not frantic on the wing, rather patient and just always in the right spot. He is best on the ball and if he can go up against players his own height, he does even better. Nothing flashy on defense, just tends to know where to be to make the play.
Mike Valle – 6’7 | SF | Whiteland
Mike is one of the most dynamic players in the state. At 6’7 and 6’10 long, he can defend in the post pretty well and rebounds at a solid rate. However, the thing that makes him special is how skilled he is. He’s agile and athletic enough that he can come out and defend guards with easy and even though he isn’t super quick, that 6’10 wingspan can make up for it. He’s patient and aware, allowing him to always been in the spot that makes life most difficult for the offense. Can literally guard every spot on the floor.
Sam Colbert – 6’0 | PG | Broad Ripple
Sam is one of the quicker, craftier players in the state and on defense, he uses that to annoy opposing guards. He’s got great hands and the quickness really keep things in front of him. Sam is good on and off the ball but best on where he can stay with any guard and shut them down for a good chunk of the game. He’s got the ability to create turnovers with his hands as well, giving him easy offense. Sam has grown a little big and is quick enough that he can defend either guard spot.