Exceptional 2028 Defensive-Minded Guards

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Soon approaching their sophomore campaigns, the class of 2028 consists of playmakers, spot-up shooters, and difference makers across the floor. Today, we're dialing in on some elite defenders who take pride in clamping up their matchups. Let's talk about it. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2467733"],"_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-6924aa021d9de"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2467733' first='Champ' last='Spears'] has always been one of 2028's top scorers, torching defenses off the dribble and making them pay for giving him space. The element of his game that isn't talked about enough is his defense. Spears slides his feet and contests every shot, exuding confidence on both ends of the ball. Thinking ahead of the play, Spears is always in between passing lanes, ready to accelerate in transition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2385215"],"_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-6924aa021da6a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2385215' first='Devin' last='VanderMeer'] is a guy you want to match up against the best player on the opposing team. At 6'2, VanderMeer has a lengthy frame that allows him to intercept passes and wreak havoc when defending on-ball. Aside from his stifling defense, VanderMeer heats up quickly with the ball and gets to his shot speedily and effectively. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2715513"],"_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-6924aa021dad3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2715513' first='Malaki' last='Sermons'] moves his feet quickly and fights through screens defensively, communicating help side and making his presence known. Sermons is disciplined, enforcing steals without reaching and committing a foul. Expect Malaki to take on a bigger role with more volume this season for Denver West. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2543717"],"_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-6924aa021db35"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2543717' first='Wilson' last='Grothe'] is a game-changer for any coach who loves shutting down opponents before the halftime break. Grothe excels at getting downhill in transition and takes pride in his high motor. Playing through all four quarters until the clock hits double zeros, there is no questioning Grothe's effort, making him an asset on both ends of the ball. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2396584"],"_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-6924aa021db95"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2396584' first='Bahati' last='Langford'] brings leadership and poise to any team he's on. Active on defense, Langford enjoys making his matchup's life harder, poking at the ball, and creating turnover opportunities in transition. A bowling ball when attacking the rim, good luck to any defender getting in Langford's way. Look out for Langford to continue dominating this year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->