Top Defenders for the 2026 Class
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Even though in today’s game offense rules over everything defense will never go extinct because of how important it is for many players. Defense is what will get you minutes regardless of how talented you are on offense. Defense requires…
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Continue ReadingEven though in today’s game offense rules over everything defense will never go extinct because of how important it is for many players. Defense is what will get you minutes regardless of how talented you are on offense. Defense requires heart, hustle, and determination. These players on this list have all three of those traits. Here are my top five defenders for the 2026 class.
Hodge has a lengthy 6’4″ frame at his disposal at the point guard position. He’s a pickpocket machine and rarely gets beat off the dribble if not at all. Hodge reads passing lanes like a free safety in football seemingly appearing out of nowhere to pick off passes. He can guard all five positions at a high level giving his coach the ultimate flexibility in how to use him in defensive situations. Hodge recorded an impressive 51 steals this season.
Asprilla is very agile at the center position playing that point center role for his team as he can bring the ball up the floor just like a point guard. At 6’11” Asprilla can guard every position including perimeter defenders giving him flexibility on the defensive end. He’s excellent in recovery and making up ground if he gets beat off the dribble, swatting shots off the backboard. Asprilla is also an anchor down low making it almost impossible to get a shot up over him.
Holman has great timing on both blocking shots and picking off passes. He’s a lockdown on the perimeter giving ball handlers little to no breathing room when guarded by him. Holman uses his impressive hops and speed to chase down block players looking to score an easy basket. I fully expect Holman to be an all-around two-way player once his offensive game catches up with his defensive game.
Highlights
Boyd can guard the perimeter like a guard and protect the paint like a big man at an elite level. At 6’4″ in the small forward position he can do everything on the court. He has long quick strides in transition allowing him to record multiple chase-down blocks. Boyd will swarm ball handlers at the perimeter making it near to impossible to score on him. He recorded 35 blocks and 33 steals this season.
Younger is a pest on the defensive end forcing ball handlers to struggle when trying to drive past him. He likes to switch onto the double-team setting trapping offensive players in the corner to allow him to steal the ball for easy transition points. Younger uses his quickness to disrupt passing lanes and is the definition of giving it your all as he will go after and dive after every loose ball giving his team more chances for offensive possessions.