SIAA Defensive Prospects: Guards

<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 guards with translatable defensive traits in Florida’s premier conference.</p> <p><strong>Ahmad Cidi-Jalloh</strong></p> <p>If you’re looking for a defensive playmaker, look no further than this Canadian point guard. Every game I’ve watched of Cidi-Jalloh, he’s made late-game stops to keep his team in the game. He’s a pickpocket that keeps his hand in the ball handlers space. The junior racks up deflections in passing lanes. Most of all, he’s a tough, smart defender that doesn’t foul often.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1060151" first="Braylon" last="Jackson"]</strong></p> <p>Jackson’s defensive profile starts with his muscular frame. The 6’4 guard has the strength to be an effective on ball defender. With plus length and athleticism that wows on the offensive end, he contains both guard spots. He’s had moments of being a disruptive player that collects deflections and limit ball handler's movements. Speed and strength are real factors in his ability to play man defense.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850673" first="Maurice" last="Odum"]</strong></p> <p>Odum is one of the quickest guards in the country. As a defender in West Oaks’ hectic fast-paced style, he wreaks havoc in passing lanes. His speed closes passes lanes, which opens up his transition attack. On ball, he’s a pesky defender with quick hands and the foot speed to mirror moves. The unsigned senior is going to have the chance to disrupt some of the best offenses in the country during the grind session.</p> <p><strong>Mike Drayton</strong></p> <p>Drayton is the youngest person to make this list. The sophomore cares about the less glamorous end of the court and it shows. Every event I’ve seen him in, rather it was with Riverview or Victory Rock he’s played good on ball defense. He keeps his man in front, uses his hands without fouling, and is scrappy. At 6’3 with an athletic base, Drayton has plenty of time to improve into a notable 3 and D guard in a loaded Florida 2024 class.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="955596" first="RJ" last="Morgan"]</strong></p> <p>The theme of this article has been speed, and Morgan personifies it. He’s a guy that can get into ball handlers without drawing and really bother them. He's quick enough to pick up steals but his real value lies, moving his feet. The unsigned senior keeps his man in front of him and is rarely blown by. He doesn’t gamble, but when you’re this quick recovery is easy.</p>