Versatile Defensive Prospects at The Grind Region Finals
Ethan Moss – F5 Elite – McMillen – 2024 Moss has continued to make an impact as a switchable defender on the perimeter and interior, while staying sneaky efficient from the offensive end. Standing roughly 6’5, Moss has the frame…
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Continue ReadingEthan Moss – F5 Elite – McMillen – 2024
Moss has continued to make an impact as a switchable defender on the perimeter and interior, while staying sneaky efficient from the offensive end. Standing roughly 6’5, Moss has the frame to deter shots around the rim while being quick enough to give small guards trouble. Within the offensive flow, Moss does great curling around screens to create scoring advantages around the rim, where he is adept finishing with either hand. Moss is still an off-ball wing, however he has a major impact on low usage. Tracking his shooting metrics and overall shot versatility will be major impacts on his offensive ceiling.
Gavyn Phillips – Team Dream – West Highschool Wichita Kansas – 2024
At 6’5, Phillips has a major impact on rim protection due to his mobility and wingspan. Phillips’ eagerness to rise up and contest shots has a noticeable impact on how opponents choose to attack the rim. Although not the most physically imposing figure, he brings wiry strength that make opponents think twice upon attacking the rack. Given his outlier standing reach, Phillips was dominant grabbing the rock before opponents had a chance to pull it away.
James Deloach – Grind Don’t Stop – Sylvan Hills – 2024
Deloach is a bouncy 6’5 wing whose strength and mobility make him a tough matchup. He is capable grabbing the rock with one hand with significant emphasis. Not to mention the forward is more than capable rising up with 6’6+ opponents without fouling. With GDS Deloach was primarily used within the dunker spot, although he did flash shooting touch from the mid range. His free throw form was consistent, showing promise for him to stretch out the shot down the line. The biggest turning point with Deloach comes from his ballhandling downhill, where gaining control of the ball under pressure will be essential, given his strength.
John Tyler – Dallas Showtyme – Mesquite – 2023
Tyler was incredibly shifty as a 6’2 combo guard capable creating jumpers off the bounce, while possessing enough tools to be an excellent perimeter defender. Wiry strong, Tyler forces opponents off balance by digging into their hips without reaching. On the opposite end, he does a great job getting opponents off balance. Once he finds an advantage, Tyler will use a second move or pull into a jumper. The combo guard has a great feel gauging opponent tendencies and possesses a bit more flare than most perimeter threats.
Nicholas Buchenau – Colorado Chaos – Kent Denver – 2024
Buchenau was a major key to the Chaos’ success through low post passing and interior physicality. Although only about 6’5, Buchenau’s presence alone had an impact on how opposing offenses were ran. While he is not a premier vertical athlete, his sound positioning and lateral mobility make him an underrated defensive prospect. He was also dangerous as a two way rebounder, where his strength was too much to handle for opposing forwards. Coming out of offensive rebounds, he was always looking to score or make the next pass. He had a few passing flashes not found often among 6’5 forwards, such as no look dimes or behind the back bounce passes.