With the new college basketball season upon us, it's time to shine light on college prospects who either have local ties and/or play for a local college program, that fans should follow closely headed into the season. Some players, you may know, others, may be on your radar after you've finished reading this article. Nonetheless, these are some of the brightest players the area has to offer at the college level. These select players, will have a LOT to say regarding the success of their respective teams. We began with the best freshman entering the college ranks, now lets continue, highlighting the top defenders.
Ace Baldwin Jr/ Penn State/ 6’1/ PG:
Baldwin Jr is a pest defensively and one of the best pickpocket players in all of college basketball, due to his lateral quickness, toughness and instincts. Baldwin Jr was the A-10 Defensive Player of the Year and A-10 All Defensive Team selection while he was leading VCU to the NCAA Tournament during the 22-23 season. Baldwin averaged 2.2 steals during his junior season which placed him second in the A-10 and 21st in the country overall.
Max Brooks/ UMass-Lowell/ 6’7/ F:
To say Brooks is a freak of nature defensively is a hell of an understatement. Brooks is a one man wrecking crew on the defensive end of the floor due to his size, great timing blocking shots, instincts, athleticism and length. He led the American East in defensive rating (89.4), total blocks (61) and blocks per game (1.8). With Brooks anchoring the Riverhawks defense, UMass-Lowell ranked first in the American East in defensive rating (94.3) and blocks per game (4.8). Brooks earned his second straight America East Conference All Defensive Team selection last season.
Bez Mbeng/ Yale/ 6’4/ G:
The reigning Ivy League Defensive Player of the Year used his size, strength and high motor to make opposing guards and wings life miserable all season long. Mbeng averaged 1.4 steals per game which was tied for fourth in the conference and had a defensive rating of 92.6, good enough for third in the conference.
Kyle Rose/ Fordham/ 6’3/ G:
Rose, a former Eleanor Roosevelt standout, emerged during the 22-23 season as one of the best lockdown defenders in the A-10 Conference. Rose played a big part in Fordham becoming not just one of the top defensive teams in the A-10, but one of the best teams PERIOD. Rose was the Rams heart and soul defensively, finishing third in the conference in total steals (59), third in steals per game (1.8) and sixth in defensive rating (93.9).
Charles Thompson/ Towson/ 6’7/ F:
Thompson just may be the most versatile defender on this list for a variety of reasons. For starters, his 6’7, 235 pound frame, allows him to defend bigger front court players with effectiveness, while his length and athleticism, allows him to get stops on quicker guards and wings on switches and hedge outs. Then when you add that he averaged 8 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game during the 22-23 season, it’s very clear that Thompson was one of the more complete defenders in college hoops. Thompson took home CAA All Defensive Team honors for his stellar defense.
Honorable Mention:
Jared Billups/ George Mason, Cameron Brown/ St Joseph’s, Armon Harrried/ Binghamton, Elijah Stephens/ American, Nendah Tarke/Towson
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