Andy Katz has locked in his picks for the highest defenders forward of the 2024-25 males’s school basketball season. Right here’s a breakdown of every participant primarily based on their defensive prowess and affect:
1. Ryan Kalkbrenner, Creighton
Kalkbrenner, a three-time Massive East Defensive Participant of the Yr, is returning to Creighton after initially getting into the NBA draft. Standing at 7’1”, he’s one of the crucial dominant shot-blockers within the nation, rating second with 107 blocks final season. Kalkbrenner additionally averaged 7.6 rebounds and three.1 blocks per recreation, anchoring Creighton’s protection. His determination to return again for an additional season makes him a key determine in school basketball’s defensive panorama.
2. Cliff Omoruyi, Alabama
Welcome to #BlueCollarBasketball Clifford Omoruyi! pic.twitter.com/OPjl87hq5f
— Alabama Males’s Basketball (@AlabamaMBB) Might 24, 2024
Omoruyi, who transferred from Rutgers to Alabama earlier this 12 months, brings measurement and athleticism that make him a pressure within the paint. He’s wonderful at contesting photographs and grabs practically 9 rebounds per recreation. His means to protect a number of positions makes him a flexible defender. Omoruyi’s shot-blocking and rebounding are going to be key to Alabama’s defensive success.
3. Johni Broome, Auburn
Broome is an anchor for Auburn’s protection, together with his size and timing being essential to his shot-blocking expertise. He averages practically 2.5 blocks per recreation, deterring gamers from attacking the rim. His means to regulate the glass and shield the paint units him aside. Broome’s defensive presence has been important for Auburn’s system.
4. Ace Baldwin Jr., Penn State
Baldwin, the Massive Ten Defensive Participant of the Yr, returns to Penn State for a second season in 2024. He led the Massive Ten in steals per recreation (2.67) and ranked high 5 nationally, cementing his fame as an elite perimeter defender final 12 months. Baldwin’s management on protection helped Penn State lead the convention in steals and 3-point protection. After transferring from VCU in 2023, Baldwin continues to be a dominant defender.
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5. Tamin Lipsey, Iowa State
Regardless of being simply 6-foot-1, Lipsey is a relentless defender, averaging 2.7 steals per recreation final season. His excessive motor and hustle on each ends of the ground make him a standout for Iowa State, contributing 4.6 rebounds per recreation regardless of his measurement. Lipsey additionally excels offensively, averaging 12.4 factors and 4.9 assists whereas taking pictures practically 40% from three. His defensive instincts and flexibility shall be essential as Iowa State competes for a Massive 12 title.
6. Lamont Butler, Kentucky
Butler, the two-time Mountain West Defensive Participant of the Yr, transferred to Kentucky after a standout profession at San Diego State. Recognized for his game-winning buzzer-beater within the 2023 Remaining 4, Butler is extensively thought to be probably the greatest perimeter defenders in school basketball. He averaged 1.5 steals per recreation final season and has constantly been a defensive chief on championship-contending groups. Butler’s expertise and elite defensive expertise will make him a key asset for Kentucky within the upcoming season.
7. Zakai Zeigler, Tennessee
Zeigler, the 2023-24 SEC Defensive Participant of the Yr, is thought for his relentless on-ball strain and talent to disrupt opposing offenses. He led Tennessee with 1.9 steals per recreation final season, serving to the Vols safe the SEC common season title. Regardless of standing simply 5-foot-9, Zeigler’s power and defensive instincts make him probably the greatest perimeter defenders within the nation. After recovering from a torn ACL, he’s again to anchoring Tennessee’s protection whereas additionally contributing offensively as a playmaker. Zeigler’s toughness and excessive motor have made him invaluable to the Vols.
8. Milos Uzan, Houston
🚨 It is Official 🚨
Calling all @UHouston followers to welcome @lossyuzan to the 7-1-3#ForTheCity x #GoCoogs pic.twitter.com/tzyXh2Nx6x
— Houston Males’s Hoops 🏀 🐾 (@UHCougarMBK) April 17, 2024
Uzan, a switch from Oklahoma, brings defensive versatility and playmaking expertise to Houston. As a sophomore, he led Oklahoma with 4.3 assists per recreation whereas including 9.0 factors and three.4 rebounds. Recognized for his defensive instincts, Uzan is anticipated to be a key piece for the Cougars’ protection in 2024-25. His means to protect a number of positions and disrupt passing lanes will bolster Houston’s already robust defensive system.
9. Wade Taylor IV, Texas A&M
Taylor, the preseason SEC Participant of the Yr, returns to Texas A&M after a standout junior season the place he averaged 19.1 factors and 4 assists. His means to use strain on each ends of the court docket makes him a key determine in Texas A&M’s system. Taylor’s return solidifies the staff’s defensive and management basis heading into 2024.
10. Yaxel Lendeborg, UAB
Lendeborg, the American Convention Defensive Participant of the Yr, returns to UAB after a dominant junior season the place he averaged 13.8 factors, 10.6 rebounds and a pair of.1 blocks per recreation. He set program data for rebounds (370) and double-doubles (19), solidifying himself as probably the greatest inside defenders within the nation. Lendeborg’s defensive presence and rebounding means had been key in UAB’s American Convention event title and NCAA event berth. His return retains UAB robust within the paint for 2024-25.
11. Jahmai Mashack, Tennessee
Mashack, identified for his robust defensive expertise, is ready to tackle a beginning function for Tennessee after a strong junior season. He averaged 4.5 factors, 3.1 rebounds and 0.8 steals per recreation whereas taking pictures 44.8% from the sector. Mashack’s versatility on protection helped him lead or co-lead the staff in steals seven occasions, and his offensive recreation continues to enhance.
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12. Ugonna Onyenso, Kansas State
Onyenso, a 7-foot shot-blocking specialist, joins Kansas State after two seasons at Kentucky, the place he tallied 82 blocks in 40 video games. In 2023-24, he averaged 2.75 blocks per recreation, rating among the many high within the SEC and nationally. Recognized for his rim safety, Onyenso additionally contributed 4.8 rebounds per recreation and made 14 consecutive begins to shut the season.
13. Kadary Richmond, St. John’s
Richmond, a 2024 All-Massive East First Group choice, transfers to St. John’s after a robust season at Seton Corridor, the place he averaged 15.9 factors, 7.0 rebounds and 5.1 assists. He performed a key function in Seton Corridor’s 2024 NIT title and is thought for his versatility and defensive expertise. At 6’6″, Richmond brings measurement and expertise to St. John’s backcourt underneath coach Rick Pitino. His all-around recreation makes him a worthwhile addition for the 2024-25 season.
14. Caleb Foster, Duke
Caleb Foster is returning to Duke 😈
After present process profitable surgical procedure, the second-year guard intends on enjoying one other 12 months in Durham 👏 pic.twitter.com/DvRpihuV01
— NCAA March Insanity (@MarchMadnessMBB) April 15, 2024
Foster, a 4-star recruit, returns to Duke for his sophomore season after averaging 7.7 factors, 2.4 rebounds and a pair of.1 assists as a freshman. Foster’s means to disrupt opposing guards and make performs on each ends of the ground shall be key for the Blue Devils. Foster’s dedication and management shall be essential as Duke goals for a nationwide championship with a stacked roster.
15. Aziz Bandaogo, Cincinnati
Bandaogo, a 2024 All-Massive 12 honorable point out, returns to Cincinnati after testing the NBA draft waters. The 7-footer averaged 6.6 factors, 7.4 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per recreation, ending second within the Massive 12 in blocks. Recognized for his defensive presence and environment friendly taking pictures (64.2%), Bandaogo shall be a key rim protector for the Bearcats within the 2024-25 season.
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16. Felix Okpara, Tennessee
Okpara, a 6-foot-11 defensive standout, transferred to Tennessee after two seasons at Ohio State, the place he averaged 6.6 factors, 6.4 rebounds and a pair of.4 blocks per recreation. Considered one of simply 5 gamers in school basketball to dam 80 photographs final season, Okpara fills a key want for Tennessee’s frontcourt. Okpara has two years of eligibility remaining.