Top On Ball Defenders in VA

While we’ve been updating our rankings and breaking down content on those, we decided to take a look at some of the best specialists in different areas of the state. Today, we take a look at some of the top on ball defenders across VA. [player_tooltip player_id="815578" first="Knasir" last="McDaniel"] | 5’9” PG | Paul VI ’22 <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/05/McDaniel-Dug.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1201614" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/05/McDaniel-Dug-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a> The Michigan commit is one of the top tone setters in the country, as he not only knows how to run a team and make plays on the offensive end but he’s an absolute pest of an on ball defender that can guard the length of the floor. He’s unbelievably fast end-to-end but he’s also quick laterally allowing him to stay in front, he can get under bigger guards and make it tough for them to put it on the deck and he’s excellent in pressing styles. [player_tooltip player_id="1173210" first="Judah" last="Mintz"] | 6’4” SG | Oak Hill ’22 The Pittsburgh commit is one of the most efficient scorers in the area and that’s what had him blow up during the EYBL, but he also is an excellent all ball defender and he has all the tools to be a stopper at the next level. He’s strong and has good size to pressure ball handlers when they pick it up, he has good length and he moves his feet very well. [player_tooltip player_id="1217456" first="Kashawn" last="Cordes"] | 6’4” SF | Hermitage ’22 <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/05/Cordes-KaShawn.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1189443" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/05/Cordes-KaShawn-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a> Cordes is one of the most underrated guys in the Richmond area and has improved a ton over the past few years, and one of his top attributes is his ability to use his length to cause problems defensively. He gets a lot of deflections and has good hands, he can guard multiple positions and is excellent at the top of zones with his length too. [player_tooltip player_id="1107838" first="Chris" last="Brown"] | 6’3” SG | Peninsula Catholic ‘22 <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/11/Brown-Chris.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1091299" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/11/Brown-Chris-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a> Brown is an elite level defender who will be mentioned on other defensive lists too, but he’s the type of player you put on the other team’s best perimeter player. He has a great motor and never seems to really get tired, he moves well laterally and has active hands to get deflections and he doesn’t back down from any challenge. [player_tooltip player_id="1217450" first="Jayden" last="Evans"] | 6’4" SF | Hampton Christian ’22 Evans is an intriguing prospect who is just now starting to scratch the surface of his potential, and he has tons of it on the defensive end with his length and athleticism. He is very active when he’s on the ball making it tough for guys to get shots off and make passes, he can guard multiple positions and he plays with a good motor and makes the hustle plays. [player_tooltip player_id="999616" first="DeShawn" last="Harris-Smith"] | 6’4” SF | Paul VI ‘23 Harris-Smith is considered one of the best defenders and glue guys in the 2023 class, and there really isn’t much he can’t do as a perimeter defender. He is long and strong allowing him to get physical and stay in front, he has a good motor and makes all of the hustle plays on the defensive end and he has prototypical size and athleticism allowing him to guard multiple positions. [player_tooltip player_id="1232158" first="Doyle" last="Brown"] | 6’1” CG | Centreville ’23 <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/05/Brown-Doyle-Head-Shot.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1190436" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/05/Brown-Doyle-Head-Shot-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a> Brown is set for a breakout year for the defending Class 6 state champions as he’s had a great summer with District Basketball Club as a defensive stopper and knock down shooter. He has great instincts and anticipates well on the ball, he moves his feet and bodies up without fouling and he has quick hands and can pick pocket guys in isolation situations. [player_tooltip player_id="1231822" first="Leland" last="Coleman"] | 6’5" WF | Trinity Episcopal ’23 Coleman is starting to come into his own as a prospect and should have a breakout year, and one thing that really stands out is his versatility defensively. He has a 7’0" wingspan and good springs to challenge shots and get deflections, he can guard multiple positions and he is a high motor and tough kid as well. [player_tooltip player_id="1259621" first="Dom" last="Bailey"] | 6’1” SG | John Marshall ’24 <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/04/Bailey-Dom.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1180285" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/04/Bailey-Dom-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a> While all of the guys listed above are excellent defenders, Bailey may be favorite on this list because he takes so much pride on the defensive end and as just a freshman last year he jumped at the chance to guard the other team’s best players no matter who they were. He anticipates well and is able to take charges when he’s on the ball, he moves well laterally and doesn’t bite on fakes and he will stay in your face and chirp at you the whole game taking scorers out mentally as well.