Best Defensive Players All Time

[waterhead]

Only recently have I closely followed defensive stats (or general defensive play)...so forgive me if I can't recall some great defenders of recent UC history (last 20-25 years). But I am curious to find out what others think about our best defenders considering right now we have Rubles (who I think is lock down) and JJ who is swatting shots, stealing, and is all over the court.

I will offer up a few names that I can remember having being mentioned in some capacity as a great defender. I am sure this list will be WAY short and I would appreciate additions to this list. I don't care whether it is locking down the oppositions best player or blocking a sick amount of shots or getting steals etc.

Rubles
Jackson
Bishop
Hicks
Martin
T-Rat
I-Mac
Mickeal

The guys I am mostly interested in are the players who we could rely on to "lock down" the best player on the other team...or impact a game at a high level in a different capacity.

 

[waterhead]

As for "lock down" defenders I am thinking guys like Rubles, Bishop, Mickeal, and I-Mac. As for blocks...those are easy. As for steals those are easy as well. Lock down is not something you will see on a stat sheet...and that is what I am most curious about.

But overall I would like to know the best defensive 5 we could put on a court all time at UC.

 

[waterhead]

Oh crap...I forgot Patterson

 

[waterhead]

Patterson and Rubles seem very similar on the defensive end.

 

[waterhead]

Martin, Patterson, Rubles, Bishop, T-Rat? How would that be?

 

[handwaver]

Martin, Patterson, Rubles, Bishop, T-Rat? How would that be?

Tarrance Gibson from '92 final 4 team almost made you feel sorry for the guy he was defending.

 

[Thegreatone]

Donald Little.

 

[#BearcatNation]

No Maxiell? From anyone? Wow

 

[Bearcat_NTS]

If you are talking lock down wing defenders, UC has had a bunch of greats: Patterson aka the Kobe Stopper, I-Mac, Mickeal (was the best) and Bishop.

Interior defenders I would say Blount, Little, Martin (he literally was catching shots out of the air), Maxiell, Rubles and Jackson.

 

[WAITE HOYT 2]

If you are talking lock down wing defenders, UC has had a bunch of greats: Patterson aka the Kobe Stopper, I-Mac, Mickeal (was the best) and Bishop.

Interior defenders I would say Blount, Little, Martin (he literally was catching shots out of the air), Maxiell, Rubles and Jackson.

no hicks???

 

[david aka the TYZ]

Jamaal Davis was a really good defender. I know I'll feel stupid when I hear the answer, but who is T-Rat?

 

[WAITE HOYT 2]

Jamaal Davis was a really good defender. I know I'll feel stupid when I hear the answer, but who is T-Rat?

Terance Gibson

 

[david aka the TYZ]

Terance Gibson

Ok, I don't feel stupid, I've never heard him referred to as T-Rat before. Thanks.

 

[TheShoeFits]

Jermaine Tate wasn't too shabby.

 

[waterhead]

But isn't this the type of discussion Bearcat fans should be talking about? Defense? It has been such a HUGE staple here for 20+ years. I would LOVE more offense...but defense is the heart and soul of UC BB in recent memory.

Defense is what we hang our hat on....so why not embrace it?

 

[Robert]

Yes, defense is our identity and I think we do embrace it. And if we keep it up, one of these days we are going to bring in guys who can defend AND score. And when that happens... look out, NCAA. That time might be coming soon, with Caupain at the point, Johnson slashing, Lawrence maturing into his body and knocking down the mid-range jumper with consistency, and Clark coming in... I am pumped. But I'm not letting that take away from this season either, because I believe we have a very real shot to win this conference and go deep in the tournament.

 

[Robert]

Jermaine Tate wasn't too shabby.

Tate was an excellent defender, and might have gotten more recognition for his defense if he hadn't played with Kenyon.

 

[IDC]

K Martin (Little)
J Jackson (Hicks)
P Mickeal (Patterson)
I McElroy
T Gibson

 

[subflea]

What makes guys like Rubles and Bishop special is that they are able to defend multiple positions. Both had the ability to guard on the wing and underneath.

Gates is a guy that hasn't made anyone's list, but he was a great low post defender. He doesn't get the talk as much because he wasn't a great shot blocker, but he was always in the right position and used his frame well to prevent other teams from scoring down low.

 

[WAITE HOYT 2]

What makes guys like Rubles and Bishop special is that they are able to defend multiple positions. Both had the ability to guard on the wing and underneath.

Gates is a guy that hasn't made anyone's list, but he was a great low post defender. He doesn't get the talk as much because he wasn't a great shot blocker, but he was always in the right position and used his frame well to prevent other teams from scoring down low.

great point sub flea. Gates as you said didn't block a lot of shots but he was strong as heck and tough to move off the block. He also had great hands and took up a ton of space. I wouldn't rank him with the best but he was much more effective then people gave him credit for.