Lockdown Prospects: 2024 Unsigned Defensive Guards

<!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2272556"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Throughout his senior season [player_tooltip player_id='2272556' first='Justin' last='McCray'] proved to be an outstanding game-changing defender who takes pride in his role and impact on the defensive side of the ball. He's shown the ability effectively lockdown guards and wing-forwards on the perimeter with his ball pressure, reaction-time, and anticipation for what was to come. His defensive versatility not only allowed him to battle amongst the trees down low but also switch on screens and not be outmatched by the size difference. Terrific awareness and effort defending off the ball, often bailing teammates out as a helpside defender resulting in steals and blocks each game. His great hand-eye coordination makes a constant threat to get a hand on the ball. Also an incredibly effective communicator with a knack for blowing up plays. The ultimate defensive glue guy, McCray approaches every defensive possession with intensity, never backing down from a challenge and always willing to do the dirty work.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-660d94d28a94d"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1598888"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='1598888' first='Ethan' last='Williams'], standing at a lengthy 6-feet 3-inches, utilizes his long reach to disrupt opponents on both ends of the court. With his remarkable reflexes and quick, active hands, Williams poses a threat to jumpshots, ball-handlers, and passing lanes alike. He demonstrates exceptional ground coverage, whether recovering defensively or contesting shots, displaying a relentless commitment to challenging every play. His agility and lateral movement allow him to effectively defend against quicker guards and impede straight line drives. With an unwavering motor and constant engagement, Williams has the potential to excel as a defensive specialist, utilizing his length and defensive prowess to impact games significantly.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-660d94d28a99f"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1126062"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='1126062' first='Jadyn' last='Hollis'] has proven himself as an effective defender with a strong lockdown defensive prowess at his height. With his tough and hard-nosed approach to the game, Hollis imposes his defensive will on opponents, making his presence felt on every possession. His exceptional foot speed allows him to cut off ball-handlers' pathways, while his cat-like reflexes enable him to disrupt plays with timely deflections and steals. Hollis' lightning-quick footwork, coupled with his active hands, makes him a constant threat in passing lanes and at contesting shots. He employs aggressive defense, applying pressure, bumps, and body checks to unsettle opponents and force turnovers. Hollis also displayed a knack for reading his opponents dribble patterns, looking for cues indicating their next move, allowing him to position himself to intercept passes or contest shots.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-660d94d28a9e4"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2401224"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='2401224' first='Cedric' last='Dent'] is easily one of the best on-ball defenders available. He applies relentless on-ball defense using his combination of quick footwork, anticipation, and relentless energy to create chaos. Dent prides himself on making life difficult for opposing ball-handlers and setting a defensive standard for his team. He utilizes precise footwork to slide laterally, mirror his opponent's movements, and maintain defensive positioning. Dent also displays exceptional instincts as he excels at timing his reaches to strip the ball, deflect passes, or jump the passing lanes.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-660d94d28aa25"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2401226"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='2401226' first='Lamont' last='Stokes'] has many of the attributes needed to be a phenomenal defensive asset. Stokes is a pest on court who keeps a lower stance than his man at all times. Dangerous perimeter defender, he consistently keeps his opponents in front of him and beats them to their point of attack using impressively fast lateral movements and choppy feet. Quick to pick up his man and defend the full length of the court after a made basket forcing opposing guards to exert extra energy. A true ballhawk who's explosive in the passing lanes, showing strong anticipatory skills and an understanding of where the next pass will land by always reading the ball-handler before shooting the gaps for multiple steals and fastbreaks each game.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-660d94d28aa64"} /-->