Nevada Season Preview: Top 3 and D Guys
In case you’ve been living under a rock for the last 5 or 10 years. 3 and D players have become high commodities. At the professional level, execs salivate over them. If you’re not familiar with the term, a 3…
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Continue ReadingIn case you’ve been living under a rock for the last 5 or 10 years. 3 and D players have become high commodities. At the professional level, execs salivate over them. If you’re not familiar with the term, a 3 and D player is just what it sounds like. A guy that can stretch the floor with the 3 and defend multiple positions. These players are equally effective at the prep level. In this article, PH takes a look at some of the top 3 and D players in Nevada.
Shane Thomas 6’2 SG Centennial 2022 (#8PHN 2022) (featured image)– Shane does not shoot 2’s, however, he can defend 1 through 3. I have no problem placing the sophomore in this category as he literally was the inspiration for this article. Every coach that I talked to about him raves about his 3 point shooting and defensive versatility. What’s most impressive was that he was able to generate this buzz while defending mostly older players on the gauntlet circuit this summer.
Noah Taitz 6’3 SG Bishop Gorman 2020 (#3PHN 2020) – Taitz is the Godfather of 3 and D players in Nevada. He’s a knockdown shooter that stretches the floor out to the new college 3. On the defensive end, he disrupts both 1 and 2’s equally. Taitz has the athletic ability to impact the game with tips, deflections, and steals as well.
Will McClendon 6’4 SG Bishop Gorman 2021 (#3PHN 2021) – Big hands Will has transformed himself into Big shot Will. He’s a clutch shooter that can’t be left open. His wingspan turns him into an absolute pest on the defensive end. Gorman does a great chase down drill in practice, because of McClendon’s foot speed and wingspan, it’s smart to position yourself on his team. He’s easily able to come from behind and effect plays with backtaps.
Isaiah Belch 6’3 SF Foothill 2022 (#19PHN 2022) – Belch is an interesting addition to the list. He definitely has the 3 part down, as he’s a knockdown shooter off catch and shoot action. He does a few more things on the offensive end than the traditional 3 and D guy, but he certainly has the size and versatility to guard several positions.
Darnell Fizer 6’4 SG Silverado 2023 (#4PHN 2023) – Fizer is a freshman so I haven’t seen him perform as much on the defensive end. However, he possesses the prototypical 3 and D frame. As a shooter, just watch his release and try to convince yourself that every one of his shots isn’t going in. On the defensive end, if he applies himself he obviously has the size and physical ability to defend multiple positions including 1 through 3.