GASO Duncanville: Best Defenders (Championship Orange)

<p>For the second straight weekend, AAU basketball was played in Dallas. After a great first weekend with the Dallas Showtyme Classic, it was Great American Shootout’s turn to host a tournament at the Duncanville Fieldhouse. This tournament featured countless talented teams and I had the opportunity to take in the action on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.</p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/06/DSC_0373.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-1006615 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/06/DSC_0373-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="887096" first="Grant" last="Shaw"] - Dallas Showtyme - G</strong></p> <p>Shaw is a fierce competitor that isn’t afraid to play physical defense. He has the quickness to pick up ball handlers for 94 feet by himself. He also dives for loose balls and always plays hard. Shaw is everything you want in a point guard.</p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/06/DSC_0004.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-1006560 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/06/DSC_0004-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="779864" first="Imo" last="Essien"] - Texas Impact 4:13 - G</strong></p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="779864" first="Imo" last="Essien"] is everything you want in a point guard and more. He has a great feel for the game and can often anticipate passes and force turnovers in the passing lane. He plays tight on-ball defense and is able to pick up ball handlers for 94 feet. Essien also drew multiple charges.</p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/06/DSC_0105.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-1006623 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/06/DSC_0105-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="779882" first="Rytis" last="Petraitis"] - Texas Impact 4:13 - G/F</strong></p> <p>Petraitis was one of the best all-around defenders in the tournament and takes pride in playing good defense. He plays excellent perimeter defense and has good hands. Petraitis contests every shot and blocked multiple jump shots. He is also a good defender in the passing lanes and stole multiple passes.</p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/07/DSC_0016.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-1007986 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/07/DSC_0016-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1007985" first="Jaylon" last="Barnett"] - SW Elite - G</strong></p> <p>Barnett is a scrappy defender that plays great on-ball defense. He got multiple on-ball steals and takes pride in locking down opposing guards. Barnett also brings the perfect amount of physciality and does this without fouling.</p> <p><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/07/DSC_0316.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-1007988 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/07/DSC_0316-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1007989" first="Austin" last="Atkinson"] - Seawolves - F</strong></p> <p>Atkinson is a lengthy wing that plays with great energy.  He uses his length and athleticism to disrupt passing lanes and force turnovers. Atkinson also blocked some shots and often turned his steals into points for his team on the other end. </p>