Top 3&D Players for the 2024 Class Part II
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The ability to play defense while being a difference-maker on offense can be difficult for players to do at a high level. The new trend of shooting three-pointers and defending three-pointers is becoming more popular every year. These players in…
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Continue ReadingThe ability to play defense while being a difference-maker on offense can be difficult for players to do at a high level. The new trend of shooting three-pointers and defending three-pointers is becoming more popular every year. These players in this class change a game because of their impressive skillset. Here are my top 3&D players for the 2024 class part II.
Hodge is a versatile player that can play and switch onto every position. His three-point shooting is excellent as he looks for catch-and-shoot opportunities all the time. He moves well without the basketball and knows when to cut to the perimeter to get an open shot. On defense, Hodge will look to throw pressure on you when you pass half-court. His quick instincts and reactions allow him to come up with multiple steals in a game. Hodge can even guard the paint because of his 6’8″ frame.
Eglinton-Manner can spread the floor out with his elite shooting touch and high release. At 6’3″ he can shoot over most defenders he goes up against and will not hesitate to shoot the ball if given just an inch of space. He has deep range and must be guarded the second he steps past half-court. Eglinton-Manner is automatic from the corners. When it comes to defense he will look to help and switch over to help double team or look to press and swarm you with his long arms to try and poke the ball free.
Highlights
Harrison is a quick and explosive guard with a great shot. He is excellent on pull-up three-pointers and uses his crafty handles to break defenders down to create that extra space. Harrison can hit tough contested shots on the perimeter as pressure defense rarely does much to alter him. He is always ready for the catch-and-shoot shot too. Harrison plays defense like a free safety in football constantly running around jumping passing lanes and taking off on the fastbreak.
Kipnis is a player that never stops moving with or without the basketball throughout a game. He will look to come off of off-ball screens for catch-and-shoot three-pointers. His handles allow him to break defenders down to hit step-back shots over taller defenders. Kipnis won’t think twice before shooting it from deep and can shoot well beyond the line. His defense is great as he can wrap around a ball handler and poke it free to start the fastbreak. He can switch onto almost every position and stays strong when someone tries to get past him or back him down.
Trotsko is your modern-day stretch four that can play multiple positions and hold his own on defense. He can help spread the floor out and open driving lanes for his teammates because of his great shooting ability. Once the ball is kicked out to him on the wing he will not miss if left open. Trotsko has a high and quick release point that makes it hard to get a contest on. He can work the pick-n-pop as well as anyone in this class. Trotsko’s defense is strong because he can go up and stand tall in the air when looking to challenge players in the paint at the rim. He has great reactions to diving after loose balls and blocking shots at the rim.