Underrated Defenders for the 2025 Class
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With defense becoming more challenging in today’s game because of how talented the offensive players are we see players from every class take that pride in playing defense and don’t back down from any challenge. These players all have that…
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Continue ReadingWith defense becoming more challenging in today’s game because of how talented the offensive players are we see players from every class take that pride in playing defense and don’t back down from any challenge. These players all have that defensive instinct that every player should have. Here are my underrated defenders for the 2025 class.
Fuerbacher is a player every coach would love to have on their team because of the high motor and defensive instincts he brings to the table. He is great at shutting down post-ups in the low post forcing perimeter players to pass it somewhere else. He moves laterally quickly, allowing him to switch onto different players within one possession. Fuerbacher will pick you up full court and is not afraid to dive after loose balls.
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Colao will make offensive players’ lives difficult when looking to defend them on the perimeter. He will pressure you forcing players to pick up their dribble quicker than usual. He is excellent at getting his hands in the passing lanes as he knows where a pass is going before it even happens. Colao is unfazed by multiple screens because of his ability to switch to other players on the perimeter.
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Hudson is a player who will look to pick up his assignments full court throughout a game leaving little room for players to go anywhere on him. He defends the fastbreak well because of his speed and quickness to come up from behind to poke the ball away. Hudson has great timing on when to shoot the gap in the passing lanes. His ability to trap or double-team players in bad situations is how he comes up with those loose balls.
Tassey is a do-it-all type of player and when it comes to defense the 6’5″ shooting guard can defend multiple positions at a high level. His ability to switch onto the perimeter or in the paint is what makes him a versatile player. His long arms allow him to block shots on taller players. Tassey can get into the passing lanes and has great reactions when looking to go for a steal. He stands strong on the perimeter barely letting players get by him.
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Harvey is a scrappy defender who can get under offensive players’ skin throughout a game. He will apply pressure the moment the ball is tipped. On the fastbreak, he is a speedster who can pick up any perimeter player as he will look to force players into turnover-bound situations. Harvey fights over hard screens trying to throw him off and will sacrifice his body on the floor for any loose ball that is near him.