#PHGauntletOnTheGulf 15U Defensive Standouts
It’s the most important time of the AAU season: teams are getting in some of their last May runs before June rolls around and grassroots takes a backseat. In Daytona Beach, some of the absolute best under-the-radar Florida AAU teams…
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Continue ReadingIt’s the most important time of the AAU season: teams are getting in some of their last May runs before June rolls around and grassroots takes a backseat. In Daytona Beach, some of the absolute best under-the-radar Florida AAU teams decided to use their weekend and play at Gauntlet on the Gulf, a Prep Hoops event featuring teams from all over the state. While the older guys did their thing, there was a host of 15U talent that really stood out. This group of guys were locked in on the defensive side all weekend:
Jamar Browder, 6-5, Santaluces, Ball4Lyfe United 2025
Browder was an offensive juggernaut all weekend and was the player that encouraged me to write a defensive players report. Browder was the best interior defender of the weekend. His freaky athleticism, length, and strength made him a more than capable shot blocker and a great defensive guy around the basket. The most impressive part of his defensive game came in the form of his defensive rebounding. He was an absolute vacuum on the defensive rebounding end of the ball, pulling in every board that came anywhere near him. Browder is long and strong and uses those tools effectively on the defensive end of the ball.
Ryan Bledsoe-Taylor, 5-10, Glenbard North, Big 3 Basketball
Taylor was one of the better defenders on the ball all weekend. He has a ton of heart and drive and the lateral speed to get the defensive stops needed. He’s smaller, there’s no doubting that, and not particularly strong. But nevertheless, Taylor is a defensive minded guard who is just annoying to have to be guarded by. I didn’t get to watch him as much as I would have liked to, but he was an incredibly solid defenders who deserves to be recognized.
Louis Stoitchkov, 5-9, Somerset Academy Canyons, Team Trilogy
Stoitchkov was another incredible on-ball defender for Team Trilogy. His physical tools aid him in being a tenacious defender. Even at 5-9, Stoitchkov is one of the stronger players from the weekend, which made him able to body up stronger guards and make it difficult for them to go anywhere. Stoitchkov’s physical tenacity led to him generating a handful of steals in the game I watched and generally making it difficult for offensive players to go anywhere. He has great feet and strength that lends this defensive intensity to him. Stoitchkov will continue to make life rough for players of all levels all summer long.
Caesar Wiley, Jr., 6-0, Fletcher, OTOD 2025
Wiley was another tenacious defensive guard with a knack for generating steals. His physical frame, like Stoitchkov, gave him a distinct advantage in cutting off offensive players and forcing them to change direction. He was like a brick wall on defense and the ISA Elite team I watched struggled to get around him properly. Wiley was able to turn these steals into point with such ease as well, making him not only an effective defensive guy but a great offensive one. Wiley Jr. was overall a solid prospect and his prowess on the defensive end of the ball definitely cemented that.