The Disruptors (Defenders to Watch)
During the month of July, college recruiters will be watching a lot of kids who can really put the ball in the basket. On the other side of the coin, there are some other players who make it their business…
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Continue ReadingDuring the month of July, college recruiters will be watching a lot of kids who can really put the ball in the basket. On the other side of the coin, there are some other players who make it their business to help curtail the offensive pursuits of their opponents. Over the past couple of months, I have witnessed a number of players who really like to be a real pain in the backside of defense. Some are defensive specialist while others are excellent offensive players who can play the other end. Here is a small list of those kids who I like to call disruptors.
Jordon Lathon 6’4″ Grandview, 2018 (Team Rush 17U): A long, athletic combo guard who played the top of his high school team’s full court pressure defense. From the serious scowl on his face to the predatory defensive stance, Lathon didn’t just defense opposing ball handlers. He stalked them with his length and aggressive style. What I like about him is that he is a very talented offensive player who doesn’t forsake the defensive end.
Steve Webb 6’2″ Westminster, 2017 (Missouri Hustle 17U): Webb is a hard-charging combo guard who is constantly attacking the basket on offense. He brings that kind of energy and enthusiasm to the defensive end as well. A college prospect as a football player, Webb plays defense on the basketball court with that physical edge. He is constantly in the passing lanes and will get his share of steals.
Momandou Diarra 6’9″ St. Louis Christian, 2017 (Gateway 17U) : This extremely long combo forward is a real asset in Gateway’s 1-3-1 zone defense. He can play on the top, on the wing, or on the baseline. His combination of size and length make him very troublesome for opposing teams who are trying to move the ball. He can disrupt in the passing lanes and he can also protect the rim with his shot blocking.
Tremaine Banks 6’2″ Grandview, 2017 (Next Level Elite 17U): I was impressed with his smooth mid-range game on offense, but I was equally impressed with his ability to defend multiple positions on the perimeter. He is an excellent on-ball defender who has good length and a willingness to move his feet and cut off the dribble. He puts in the work and makes it hard for you to score.
Kamari Balton 6’2″ Jefferson City, 2017: He was the defensive star of the Mizzou Elite Camp last week, stealing the ball from anyone who came in his area. In one game, he picked the pocket of three different ball handlers off their dribble and stripped a couple of non-suspecting low post players. He sat down and gave an excellent defensive effort against some of the quickest guards in the state. Sells out on defense.
Matt Austin 6’0″ St. Joe Central, 2017 (Team KC): This kid has some of the quickest sets of hands around. If you aren’t careful with the ball in his area, considered the ball stolen. Does a great job of peeling off his own man to taking the ball away from unsuspecting dribblers. Shoots the passing lanes for steals and doubles down to take it away from post players. Has a good feel and really good timing when going for steals.
Devonta Beard 6’4″ Ruskin, 2017: Was very impressed with his defensive prowess at the Central Missouri Team Camp. A strong and athletic player who is capable of guarding all five positions at the high school level. I watched him guard point guards, wings and big post players. He is strong, athletic and defends with a high motor. He can really defend the ball-screen because of his ability to stay with small guards on switches.
Austin Thompson 6’2″ MICDS, 2018(Missouri Hustle 16U): An athletic point guard whose combination of length, quick feet and quick hands make his a threat to steal the ball at any time. Loves to strip opposing ball handlers. Always communicating and in position to help. Will shoot the passing lanes or come over from the weakside to steal the ball. He does not like to get screened and he will fight through double screens to stay connected to his man.
Jared Phillips 5’9″ Cardinal Ritter, 2018 (Team Ramey 16U): One of the most aggressive ball hawks around, Phillips is small in stature, but he is very physical and relentless in his defensive pursuits. He is always on the move, sometimes to the point where he seems like there are two of him on the court. He’s quick, strong and takes pleasure out of ripping the ball from your grasp.
Rondov Jennings 5’8″ Hogan Prep, 2019 (MoKan Elite 15U): This young man is one of the best on-ball defenders that I watched all spring. He has the quickness to accomplish the task, but above all, he has the determination and the willingness to harass opposing ball handlers from one end of the court to the other. Some can keep up that kind of pressure for awhile, but Jennings keeps it up for an entire game.
Don Larry 5’11” Sikeston, 2018 (SEMO Bulls 16U): Sikeston has built a tradition on intense, in your face full-court pressure defense. The one player who seemed to epitomize it the most to me was Larry, who was the catalyst of the Bulldogs. He is quick, aggressive and relentless in his effort to harass the opposing team, which got the rest of his teammates going. Was very impressed with his non-stop motor.
Kevaughn Shockley 6’3″ Raymore-Peculiar, 2017 (NDa Gym 17U): A versatile defender, he used his quickness and length to guard several positions. He does a nice job playing the pick and roll defense. He was athletic enough to stay with smaller guards, yet he used his length and quickness to battle bigger players in the post. He was a very good team defender who seemed to always be in the right place.
Cam Potts 6’1″ Webster Groves, 2017 (Missouri Hustle 17U): Cam has really built his body and improved his athleticism and that has made him an even better individual defender. He matched up against some of the top offensive players in the region and he did an excellent job. He moved his feet, denied them the ball and tried to take away what they did best. He used his athleticism and toughness to make these players work for every point.