AZ Compass Fall League Week 3: Defenders, Bigs, Rebounders

I attended the AZ Compass Fall League on September 15 and 17 in Chandler, catching every game on both days. What stood out this week was how many players made their mark doing the dirty work: defending at a high level, crashing the glass, and operating effectively in the paint. These are the ones who did it best.    Active on the defensive end, recording multiple blocks and showing real ability to protect the paint. On the offensive end, when he gathers it in the post he uses terrific footwork to finish strong at the rim, working in step-throughs and spin moves to create a better angle on his shot attempt. Finishes through contact as well, and proved he can still score when the double comes, operating with poise once the defense collapses on him.     He's an active offensive rebounder who attacks the glass with purpose, using smart boxout repositioning to give himself a better angle before getting vertical. Did particularly well at high pointing the ball and tipping it out to his teammates at the top of the key to reset plays. When he did contribute as a scorer, he looked to attack downhill using long strides before finishing with a floater, which seemed to be his go-to shot type.     Lives on the glass, coming down strong on the offensive boards and fighting through contact to secure put-backs. Even did so on free throw attempts, tipping the ball back out to teammates off misses to give them an extra opportunity. He rebounded almost everything that came his way. Plays with a high motor, and was active on the defensive end, playing straight up defense on drivers and showing a willingness to contest shots. Throughout the week, the rebounding and effort were the story.     Earns his keep on the defensive side of the ball, going straight up at the rim when an opponent drives, forcing tough looks. Also closed out hard on shooters, using his full 6'8 frame to his advantage to scare an opponent out of shooting and giving up the rock instead. Positioned himself well on the court defensively and played with active hands, covering ground in a hurry to get to the rim and swat attempts down.     Attacks the glass consistently at both ends, cleaning up rebounds with his length and then pushing the pace himself once he has the defensive board. Real shot-blocking ability, going straight up on drivers and contesting anyone who tries to work on him in the post. Excellent finisher at the rim, converting lobs and catch-off-the-roll layups with ease thanks to his size advantage inside. Mixes in midrange pull-ups off the dribble and fadeaways as well. Moves really well in space, taking it coast to coast and finishing the attack himself. In the halfcourt he makes the right read out of the post, firing cross court to open teammates, proving to be an effective passer.     Quick guard who can do it at both ends, locking down his man on the perimeter and turning steals into offense with active hands. Terrific on-ball defender who pokes at the ball constantly and stays attached to his assignment, forcing multiple turnovers and routinely making his man give it up rather than take the shot. Made his shots as well, hitting from three and powering his way inside for layups.

I attended the AZ Compass Fall League on September 15 and 17 in Chandler, catching every game on both days. What stood out this week was how many players made their mark doing the dirty work: defending at a high level, crashing the glass, and operating effectively in the paint. These are the ones who did it best.