Class of 2026: Versatile Defenders

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In this article I feature versatile 2026's that can play lock down defense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2199605"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6851f86bb13dd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2199605' first='Fabian' last='Gomez'] has many of the attributes and skills that you look for in a defender. He's long, athletic, and he always seems to be hustling. His lateral quickness and wingspan helps him cover both guards and forwards. He can also rack up points on offense by getting downhill. If you're looking to watch him play this summer, he is running with Team Decisive. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2145851"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6851f86bb1461"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2145851' first='Evan' last='Hilliard'] plays with tenacity and effort every time he's on the court. He is locked in from the jump, and he is often making the man he's guarding uncomfortable. He also has the vertical to get up and swat shots. Or he can snag defensive rebounds and start transition. He's a high flyer on the other of the court as well, and he can get it done from 3-point land. All in all, there is a lot to like about Hilliard and he will be playing at Section 7. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1962913"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6851f86bb14ca"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1962913' first='Bentley' last='Swinn'] is a reliable defender that makes plays on a regular basis. He utilizes his anticipation skills and instincts to keep his man in front of him. He also has the length to both alter and swat shots. On offense, he has a smooth pull-up jumper in his bag, he slams home dunks and he hits triples. If you're a college coach, check him out at Section 7. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1571006"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6851f86bb152c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1571006' first='Devin' last='Thomas'] will anchor Mojave's defense this upcoming season. He can protect the rim thanks to his height and athleticism. He can also jump into passing lanes and collect steals. In addition to his defensive abilities, Thomas cleans the glass and gather boards on both ends of the court. I'm looking forward to watching him play this weekend, and hopefully he helps Mojave grab some wins. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2302752"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6851f86bb158a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2302752' first='Elijah' last='Outlaw McDaniel'] has the speed and build to cover crafty offensive players. He stays active with his hands and will poke the ball away if the man he's guarding gets careless. He can also turn defense into offense and throw down a dunk if he steals the ball around mid-court. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->