Best of Best: Perimeter Defenders
In our series “Best of the Best” we look at a specific aspect of a prospects game and evaluate who are the best at that specific thing across the state. Today we look at the best Perimeter Defenders in Illinois.
PG Tyronn Mosley (Orr)
Mosley brings value at the point guard position with his size and length. A lot of that comes on the defensive end. Big fan of what he can do as a perimeter defender disrupting opposing lead guards and can easily switch on two’s and three’s and be a sound defender on them as well.
PG Kaleb Thornton (Bolingbrook)
Thornton creates turnovers at the point of attack. He is a quick lead guard that has very active hands which allows him to take some chances which often turn into points at the other end of the floor.
SG Darius Beane (Carbondale)
Beane is a quality on ball defender with the versatility to check multiple spots. Long and rangy frame with good lateral movement skills. The SIU commit should grow into a threat on the defensive end in the MVC.
SF Dannie Smith (Orr)
Smith is just a tough city kid that gets after it on the defensive end. Power wing that can anchor against bigger opponents, but also has the foot speed to keep up with quicker wings.
SG Kenyon Duling (Morgan Park)
Duling is a prospect that first came on the radar because of his defense before his offensive game broke out this spring. He is the stopper for Morgan Park with his toughness and grit along with strength. Plays with a lot of passion.
PG Artese Stapleton (Kenwood)
Stapleton really impressed us with his defense this July. He is a rangy defender that uses his quickness and anticipation to gets steals and with his speed a quick two points on the other end.
PG Dashon Enoch (OPRF)
Enoch is a power combo guard that uses his strength and toughness on the defensive end. Can guard multiple positions with his size and lateral mobility. Tough on ball defender that gets steals and causes havoc.
SF Keenan Jones (Whitney Young)
Jones impressed us on the circuit and in camps showing he is more than just a shooter. A big part of that was his defense with his length and athleticism he can guard the two through four positions.
SG Austin Gates (Bartlett)
Gates is a prospect that can shoot it offensively, but his defense really helps boosts his stock in our eyes. We like the gritty wings tenacity and how he gets multiple steals seemingly every single time we evaluate him.
PG Sean Houpt (Danville)
Houpt is a tough as nails point guard that makes a major impact on the defensive end. He gets into his man and makes them uncomfortable. Pesky defender that moves well laterally and has active hands.
PG Reggie Strong (Farragut)
Strong is a long and rangy wing that looks to be a young point guard that can really defend! He knows how to use his length to get into his opponent and also get in passing lanes.