SIAA Defensive Prospects: Forwards

<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Defense wins championships and these guys can all add to a defensive core. We’re looking at the best defensive prospects I’ve seen from the SIAA’s early season events. There are pesky guards, switchable wings, and rim protecting bigs that can anchor a top defense. Without further ado, let’s get into the forwards with translatable defensive traits in Florida’s premier conference.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/01/IMG_4848-rotated-e1643139734544.jpg"><img class="alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-1373092" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/01/IMG_4848-rotated-e1643139734544-150x150.jpg" alt="Braylin Garcia | The Traveling Hoopers" width="150" height="150" /></a>Braylin Garcia</strong></p> <p>The Dominican Republic national team member plays great low post defense. Though he’s undersized, he uses his body to get under the legs of the bigger player, immobilizing them. He’s a scrappy athletic rebounder that can push the ball up the court. Garcia plays hard and has the quickness to switch on to perimeter players. As the season progressed, so has his ability to cover perimeter, making the 6’6 forward even more valuable. The 2023 prospect is still under the radar that could change with the SIAA playoffs coming up in February.</p> <p><strong>Patric Prince</strong></p> <p>At 6’6 Prince can check 1-3 thanks to his long arms. He’s strong enough to block off drives and sets in a stance the entire possession. The unsigned senior is an athletic wing that’s can make up space.</p> <p><strong>Ermil Fleurinvil</strong></p> <p>Fleurinvil’s best basketball is ahead of him. In the 5 games I watched him play early in the season and he’s committed to playing disruptive defense. The 2023 prospect was a menace in Downey Christian’s press defense, using his speed and length to rack up deflections and steals. In the half court, he served as a weak-side shot blocker and a guy that can switch on to perimeter guys. The defensive side of the ball is his calling card but rounding out his offensive game to become a more complete player.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/01/IMG_6562-rotated.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-1373097 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/01/IMG_6562-150x150.jpg" alt="Marvin Brumfield | The Traveling Hoopers" width="150" height="150" /></a>Marvin Brumfield</strong></p> <p>The 6’7 Swiss Army knife gives DME Academy one of the most forwards in the SIAA. Between his length and explosive athleticism, he can stick with his man on the perimeter. His ability to cut off driving lanes as a help defender puts him on this list. He has long arms that clog up lanes and defensive awareness coaches will love.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="814914" first="Deshawn" last="Jean-Charles"]</strong></p> <p>The Chicago State signee plays a physical game. At 6’6 with a college-ready frame, Jean-Charles covers 2-4 with ease at the level. He’s strong enough to check post players, long enough to cover big wings, and moves his feet well enough on the perimeter to stick with guards.</p>