Player Rankings: Top Defenders

FOR A COMPLETE PREVIEW OF THE 2010-2011 SEASON, CLICK HERE

Perimeter (Not in any particular order)

• Venoy Overton, Washington: Part of a very quick backcourt, Overton is a pest defensively.
• Jay Threatt, Delaware State: Led the country in both steals per game and steal percentage last season.
• Ronald Nored, Butler: Developed a reputation as the arguably the nation’s premier on-ball defender.
• Chris Singleton, Florida State: Given his length and athleticism, Singleton is a future lockdown pro.
• Kent Bazemore, Old Dominion: The primary reason that Old Dominion was the best defensive team in the CAA.
• David Lighty, Ohio State: Can guard multiple positions, and does not back down from a challenge.
• Jackson Emery, BYU: Overshadowed by Jimmer Fredette, Emery is an all-conference defender.
• Jeffery Taylor, Vanderbilt: When guarding the ball, Taylor is tough to beat due to his size and athleticism.
• Iman Shumpert, Georgia Tech: If you need proof about his prowess, just look at his postseason opponents.
• Jorge Gutierrez, California: Will have to improve his scoring this season, but it is his defense that will still shine.

Post (Not in any particular order)

• Kenneth Faried, Morehead State: Very athletic big man will be an NBA player very soon.
• Greg Echenique, Creighton: Will immediately be the top interior defender in the Missouri Valley.
• JaJuan Johnson, Purdue: His length and athleticism gives him a chance to dominate the lane with his shot-blocking.
• David Foster, Utah: The 7-foot-3 Foster is the nation’s leader in block percentage; he also averaged nearly four per game.
• Zeke Marshall, Akron: Averaged 1.7 blocks in limited minutes last season, ranking him 13^th in block percentage.
• Damian Saunders, Duquesne: You can include him either here or on the perimeter; extremely versatile defender.
• Keith Benson, Oakland: He blocked at least five shots on 10 different occasions last season.
• Rick Jackson, Syracuse: Physical interior defender who blocks shots and rebounds effectively.
• Eli Holman, Detroit: Former Indiana transfer ranked in the top-40 in both block and defensive rebound percentage.
• John Fields, Tennessee: Was one of the best defensive rebounders and shot-blockers in the country last season.