Top Shot Blockers for the 2024 Class
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The ability to block shots and protect the rim is something that will always be important for team defensive strategy. The art of blocking shots can be difficult, especially when it comes to a player’s size. These players on this…
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Continue ReadingThe ability to block shots and protect the rim is something that will always be important for team defensive strategy. The art of blocking shots can be difficult, especially when it comes to a player’s size. These players on this list are tall and look to block your shot every possession. Here are my top five shot blockers for the 2024 class.
Ihekwaba is an intimidating defensive player who can guard every position. He will look to block every shot in his way when it comes to shot-blocking. He has excellent timing on his blocks in the paint and on the perimeter when guarding perimeter players. Ihekwaba is very athletic and can get some impressive chase-down blocks in a transition sequence giving him the ultimate flexibility on the defensive end.
Highlights
Al-Deen Saleh has a strong physical presence down low in the painted area. He seems to be a literal anchor in that area as he rarely gets moved around and stays tall when players look to test him. Al-Deen Saleh has long arms so he does not have to jump as high to snag someone’s shot. He will block multiple shots in one sequence never letting a player get anything past him. He was so dominant this past season he blocked 80 shots.
Oberti is a tall and long player at the center position that can guard and control massive areas on the court. He doesn’t have to jump a whole lot when blocking someone’s shot. Oberti is excellent at blocking jump shots and will usually always get some sort of contest on every shot near him. If you beat him off the dribble at the top of the key Oberti will most likely send it off the backboard from behind.
Sheehan is a versatile player on both sides of the floor but when it comes to the defensive end he can be a matchup nightmare for other teams. Sheehan can guard every position at a high level and has great timing at blocking shots. Sheehan will look to chase you down in transition and send your shot away. His recovery times are excellent as he can get beat off the dribble and still have time to get up and deny a shot. He blocked an impressive 56 shots this year at the power forward position.
Rink may just be the best shot blocker in this class as he blocked 158 shots this past season seemingly denying every shot in his path. He can switch onto anyone being 6’8″. He has the strength to match up with bigger centers and will block their shots too. His timing on blocking jump shots can’t get much better. Rink also has the speed and recovery time to make up for a missed assignment to get the blocked shot on a different end.