There was a game last season where I didn’t score once. Not a single point. But after the game, my coach came up to me and said, “You were the reason we won.” That meant a lot. Not because I got praise, but because it reminded me that defense matters—sometimes even more than offense.
Everyone talks about scoring. But I learned early that defense is where games are really won. Defense takes effort, heart, and a little bit of pride. It’s not just about stealing the ball or blocking shots. It’s about making things hard for the other team from start to finish.
When I play defense, I focus on making the other player uncomfortable. I move my feet, stay low, and read their body language. If I can make them pass it away or take a bad shot, I’ve done my job. A clean stop means just as much as a basket on the other end.
One of the coolest parts about defense is how it brings a team together. When everyone’s talking, rotating, and helping each other, it feels like we’re all locked in. I love hearing teammates yell out screens, call for switches, and celebrate a good stop. That energy is contagious. We feed off it.
Defense also starts before your player even touches the ball. You’ve got to anticipate. I watch their eyes, the way they set up, and how they move without the ball. Being one step ahead helps me stay ready. And communication is key. The louder and clearer we are, the tougher we are to beat.
Coaches notice defense. When someone is giving 100%, sprinting back in transition, contesting every shot, or diving on the floor, it says a lot about who they are as a player. You don’t have to be the tallest or the fastest. But if you care enough, you can be great at defense. That’s the best part—effort doesn’t depend on height or speed.
I’ve played games where I didn’t score much, but I had a big impact just by locking down the other team’s best guard or forcing turnovers. That kind of contribution might not always show up on the stat sheet, but it changes the game.
Defense is also about mindset. You have to want it. You have to care about the stop just as much as the score. I take it personally when someone scores on me. Not in a bad way, but in a way that makes me want to get better.
If all I ever did was play tough defense and help my team win, I’d be happy. Because defense doesn’t always get the spotlight, but it definitely gets respect. And that’s why it can set you apart.
