Carolinas Freshmen Showcase: Top Defensive Difference Makers

At showcase events, not many people are looking for defensive stoppers or even wanting to see defense for that matter. Being a good defender can take you a long way in college coaches eyes. In an event where offense was at the forefront, these five players showcased excellent defense and impacted the game possession by possession with their ability to get stops.    The smallest guy on this list but by far one of the more impactful on-ball defenders in the field. Jamoni was so good on defense that in my notes, I wrote the word “Defense” five times. It wasn't just the guards he was harassing, even the wings weren't able to put the ball on the floor or go by him. Defending without fouling as a small guard is tough to do but Jamoni excelled in that department as well. His quick hands, feet and good instincts helped him get several steals on and off the ball. Despite the size, he was physical and did not back down from any offensive player.     Excellent size and versatility at 6'5 which he utilized at a high level. There was not a play on defense where he wasn't talking or communicating non-verbally with teammates to ensure they were in position to get stops. The motor runs very high, which is evident by the number of times you saw him diving on the floor for loose balls or fighting through screens to stay connected to the ball handler. Not only was he effective defending the half court, but he also picked players up 94 feet and had no issue staying in front of smaller and quicker guards. That type of intensity mixed with the size and IQ is the reason why Darien was a defensive standout during the event.     High level athlete with good positional size, Antonio showed a lot of defensive versatility. Despite his wiry frame, there were possessions where he was able to match the physicality of bigger offensive players. The timing and discipline on his shot blocking was unlike any other defender in the gym. It didn't stop with just blocked shots for Antonio; he has quick feet and hands to be able to stay in front of smaller guards. When off the ball, he's awesome as a help side defender and rim protector. The blend of athleticism, speed, and length made Antonio one of the premier defenders at this event.     Despite being only 5'11, Zach was imposing his will on ball handlers on Sunday. One of the only guards to not only pick up full court but do so consistently and effectively. If he wasn't getting deflections or steals, the ball handler had their back turned and was unable to get comfortable due to his presence. Zach was effective on offense as well, which just makes his defensive prowess that much more impressive. Charges are something you do not see a lot in showcase events, but Zach was able to draw a few which in the end helped his team win.     Shiheem possesses a high-level motor and was extremely disruptive during the event. He was a constant communicator that saw plays before they happened as a defender. The energy he played with possession after possession was infectious on his teammates. Athleticism is through the roof, and he showed why with his bevy of blocked shots as well as breakaway steals. At his size, his wingspan is massive, which is a big attribute to how successful he was on the defensive end. Not only was he an excellent rim protector, his blend of size and athleticism allowed him to block several jump shots.

At showcase events, not many people are looking for defensive stoppers or even wanting to see defense for that matter. Being a good defender can take you a long way in college coaches eyes. In an event where offense was at the forefront, these five players showcased excellent defense and impacted the game possession by possession with their ability to get stops.