Minnesota Future Stars Classic: Can’t-miss Defensive Plays
The one thing teams can always control is their effort on defense. As a result, a number of great defensive plays were made this weekend. Here are some great defensive plays made at last weekend’s tournament. 5 Can’t-miss Defensive Plays:…
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Continue ReadingThe one thing teams can always control is their effort on defense. As a result, a number of great defensive plays were made this weekend. Here are some great defensive plays made at last weekend’s tournament.
5 Can’t-miss Defensive Plays:
EJ Hernandez Swat
Watch this swat by EJ Hernandez to deny Iowa Prep the easy layup! #PHFutureStars #aaubasketball pic.twitter.com/aVZOKO0CHH
— Jordan Kneen (@JordanKneen) April 27, 2019
The calling card of the Winnipeg Hot Shots was lockdown defense, and EJ Hernandez was the pinnacle of it all weekend. In the clip above we see center Luciano Glades. His primary focus is to protect the paint. As a result, his man leaks to the corner and is left open when Logan Wagemester drives. As Glades defends against Wagemester’s attempt to get to the basket, Ben Gilbert cuts to the basket and receives a nice bounce pass. Fortunately, for the Hot Shots, Hernandez is able to swat the shot away as he helps off of his man.
Jalen Freeman Steal
Jalen Freeman uses active hands to force turnover and create a layup on the other end. Great transition defense. #PHFutureStars #aaubasketball pic.twitter.com/pyyJw7U5tY
— Jordan Kneen (@JordanKneen) April 27, 2019
Here Jalen Freeman does a great job of using active hands in transition to prevent the easy layup. As the Blast bring the ball up, Freeman establishes good position and doesn’t allow the ball handler a clear lane to the basket. His position also allows him the ability to close out to the open shooter to his right, should he need to. Instead, the ball handler opts to use a bounce pass to try and pick out the open man on the other side. However, Freeman’s active hands are able to deflect the pass and create a turnover that ends in a layup at the other end.
Alex Altmann Block
Check out Alex Altmann with the beautiful chase-down block in transition to deny an easy layup this weekend! #PHFutureStars pic.twitter.com/QHAibbh1PD
— Jordan Kneen (@JordanKneen) April 29, 2019
This may have been the defensive play of the tournament. After Minnesota Heat-Pratt turned the ball over, the Pharos were able to get out in transition. A quick pass over the top of the defense put them in a vulnerable position to give up an easy layup, but Alex Altmann had other ideas. His ability to close down space quickly and get a hand to the shot was unbelievable.
Andrew Barich Forced Turnover
Andrew Barich is playing some tenacious defense. Check out this forced turnover to layup sequence he just had. #PHFutureStars #aaubasketball pic.twitter.com/zuYrFO0AvN
— Jordan Kneen (@JordanKneen) April 27, 2019
Here is a great example of help defense on a driving defender. As the Wisconsin Blaze ball handler drove into the lane, Andrew Barich swiped at the ball. The swipe caused a turnover from the Blaze player, and Barich leaked out into the open floor for a layup at the other end.
Jaro Kato Steal
Jaro Kato is showing great anticipation on the defensive end right now for the Winnipeg Hot Shots! #PHFutureStars #aaubasketball pic.twitter.com/wNVkE2Wqo7
— Jordan Kneen (@JordanKneen) April 27, 2019
One of the most impressive defenders this weekend was Jaro Kato. His anticipation on defense allowed him to wreak havoc on opposing teams. In this play Kato is defending the trailing guard. You can see him watch the ball handler drive into the corner and recognize the help coming. This recognition allows him to jump the pass and spring his team into transition.