Top 3&D Players for the 2026 Class
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Having the ability to play elite defense while also having elite sharpshooting skills is what many coaches look for now in this modern era of basketball. Mastering one of those two skills alone will get you plenty of playing time.…
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Continue ReadingHaving the ability to play elite defense while also having elite sharpshooting skills is what many coaches look for now in this modern era of basketball. Mastering one of those two skills alone will get you plenty of playing time. For this list, we have players that are great at both these skills and will look to improve them the more opportunities they get. Here are my top 3&D players for the 2026 class.
Hodge has a high release point allowing him to shoot over almost anyone guarding him. He will look to come off of off-ball screens for catch-and-shoot opportunities. Hodge has great hands when looking to poke the ball loose from ball handlers. He also reads the passing lanes well and looks to jump the lane at any chance. Hodge moves laterally quickly in which you rarely see him get beat off the dribble.
Barlow has a lot of shiftiness and quickness to his game. He can weave in and out of defenses with his tight handles. Barlow is excellent at hitting the pull-up three-point shot, especially in transition. He can break a defender down and hit the step-back shot. Barlow is great at helping out with traps and double teams and has quick hands to allow him to steal the ball. His hustle and instinct drive him to dive after every loose ball.
Lin has a quick release point in which he needs very little space to get it off. He will wait patiently for a screen to come his way so that he can get open and hit the three-ball. Lin likes the wing areas on the floor and can shoot lights out when he’s left wide open. He’s excellent at poking the ball away from behind and with his 6’3″ frame he can close out on lots of shots and also block many easy shot attempts from the other team.
Nayar is great off the catch-and-shoot on the wings. He has deep range that forces defenses to press upon him the second he steps past half-court. Nayar can hit the fadeaway three off of a screen which makes him an elite shotmaker. He is excellent at picking off passing lanes and will look to strip the ball away from behind if you get past him. Nayar is even great at poking the ball loose from big men in the post.
Highlights
Smith is a player that can seemingly do everything on the court. He will come out of nowhere and pick off passes in the lane at such a quick speed. Smith is great at applying pressure in halfcourt traps forcing many turnovers on inbounds plays. He has a smooth shot that seems automatic off the catch-and-shoot. Smith loves the corner three-ball and can hit the pull-up three-point shot in transition.