Top Perimeter Defenders for the 2026 Class
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Perimeter defense has become crucial for many teams because of how big of a trend the three-point shot has become in the last ten years. Slowing down shooters can be the key to winning many games and should be a…
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Continue ReadingPerimeter defense has become crucial for many teams because of how big of a trend the three-point shot has become in the last ten years. Slowing down shooters can be the key to winning many games and should be a vocal point in every team’s game plan. Here we will look at the top players from the 2026 class who are elite when it comes to perimeter defense.
Hodge is a very versatile player that can guard multiple positions with his long 6’4″ size. He can switch onto anyone on the perimeter and can stand strong in front of ball handlers constantly swarming them. Hodge is great at poking the ball free and taking off for the fastbreak. His ability to get over screens fast gives him the best chance to get a good contest on shots or look to pick the ball off in the middle of a pass.
Derkack is another player that can guard one through five because of his 6’4″ size. His ability to switch onto anyone is what makes him an elite defender because he simply locks you up once he guards you. Derkack can wrap around you and poke the ball from behind and throw the outlet pass on the fastbreak. He’s great at timing when his opponent shoots the ball to block it in the air.
Grant is a tough defender around the perimeter as he likes to apply pressure right from the jump. His defensive stats may not jump out at you but when you play against him you’ll see he doesn’t let anyone get by him often. Grant gets good contests on jump shots and will even look to swipe the ball away from a ball handler before they even get into shooting form. Look for Grant to have a big season on both ends of the floor next year.
Rampersant has good size at the small forward position standing at 6’7″ and can cause a lot of problems for many teams on the perimeter. His ability to switch onto anyone is what makes him great on defense as he can guard anyone you put in front of him. Rampersant’s long arms allow him to pick off passes most players couldn’t which is why opposing offenses must be careful when looking to get a pass by him.
Galasso is a speedy point guard that has a motor always running on both sides of the ball. Particularly on the perimeter on the defensive end is where he can do a lot of damage. Galasso has great timing when looking to steal the ball from other players. He knows exactly when to time his jump to pick off a pass in the air. Another thing that makes Galasso great is diving after loose balls and never giving up on a play.