Top Defenders at Buckets in the Big Red (Guards)

Jackson Ajeo | 5’9 G | Shanley/NextLevel (2023)

Fiesty defender, quick feet, and hands caused a lot of fits for ball handlers. He has good anticipation on crossovers able to poke a lot of balls loose. Good perimeter defense knows his spacing to get back home. Good knowledge of pick-and-roll situations. Counted at least three steals in the game I watched. 

Daleron Thomas Daleron Thomas 6'0" | CG Omaha Central | 2024 State NE | 5’11 G | Omaha North/Omaha Elite (2024)

Good physical perimeter defender. Gets into the body of the ball handler causing disruption and being a pest. Plays passing lanes very well, breaking up passes. Good perimeter defender. Not scared to guard the best offensive player.

Ruai Lew Ruai Lew 6'4" | SF Omaha North | 2023 State NE | 6’3 G/F | Omaha North/Omaha Elite (2023)

A combination of a forward size and guard quickness makes him a beast on defense. Size and length keep ball handlers in front of him and his athleticism helps him meet them at the rim. Plays the passing lanes well. Has a defensive mindset. 

Andre’ Austin Andre’ Austin 6'3" | CG Bismarck | 2025 State ND | 6’1 G | Bismarck High/Pack 2023 (2025)

Long and athletic defender. Has the makes to be an elite defender body frame-wise. Quick feet help him keep up with perimeter guards. Arm length is a great addition when helping on help-side defense. Able to swat away a few shots. Athleticism and length combined for the makeup of a great defender

Charles Thompson iii | 5’10 G | Mundelien/World Hoops Elite (2024)

Good, strong and stocky defender. Plays the passing lanes well and stays in front of the ball handler not giving up an inch. Quick hands match his quick feet. Good hustle doesn’t let the ball just sit there he goes after it. A solid guard defender. 

Kyden Thompson Kyden Thompson 6'0" | SG McPherson | 2024 State KS | 6’0 G | Mcpherson/PGU (2024)

Good perimeter defender. Arm length helps with poking the ball away from ball handlers. Nice foot movement can keep offensive players in his path. Able to keep up with a lot of quick guards.  Anticipation on passes is very good. 

Kaden Christmann Kaden Christmann 6'1" | SG Fargo Shanley | 2024 State ND | 5’11 G | Shanley/Next Level (2024)

A small feisty defender that doesn’t give any space to the ball handlers. Quick reaction helps him keep offensive players in front of him. Quick feet to match help him with recovery. Good Perimeter defender that will pick you up all the way up the floor. A nice body frame helps him give up minimum leverage down low. 

Deandre Garrity | 6’0 G | Roosevelt/CYAL (2025)

Nice wing and perimeter defender. His body frame helped offensive players bounce off him in an attempt to get to the hoop. Quick feet help him with his lateral movement. Plays passing lanes very well. Good anticipation. 

Zoan Robinson | 6’2 G | Vermillion/Arena Basketball (2024)

Good physical perimeter defender that has nice athleticism to meet shooters at the rim. Quick lateral movement keeps him in front of ball handlers. Great active hands that are good for swiping. Plays passing lanes very well. 

Jaylin Swift |6’2 G | Minnesota/Gilleylen Elite (2024)

Mr. “Do it all” on the court, especially on the defensive end. At one point guarded every position in the game I watched. Good long discipline defender. Has good lateral movement and hustle to match. Still capable to hit shots on the offensive end which keeps him on the court. Not scared to guard the best player.