Which one of these players would have done the best job guarding Zion?

[skysdad]

All were around 6'8" tall and all were national defensive players of the year and of course in their prime. I went with Shane just because I think he was better equipped physically if that makes any since. Billy was just defensive specialist. Grant to me was more of a finesse defensive player. That may have been effective I just don't know. I believe he was quicker than Billy and Shane Shane like I mentioned in my mind was more physical but who knows. No one will ever see that matchup. Just thought he might make for some interesting discussion. OFC

 

[CRAZIE4LIFE]

I went with Grant but still dont know,

 

[Jtre]

I went with Grant, too.

Not to say he would have been able to stop Zion, but his athleticism and length may have given him some trouble. If they were matched up with one another, I also feel Grant would have made Zion work the hardest on the other end of the court thus possibly tiring him out a bit.

 

[Hurley22]

I went with Battier because I believe he would have drawn a few offensive fouls on Zion. That's about the only chance you have to truly contain him.....to try and get him in foul trouble. He wasn't the fastest or the biggest, but man he was always in the right place. Such a great "effort" and "position" defender.

 

[skysdad]

I went with Battier because I believe he would have drawn a few offensive fouls on Zion. That's about the only chance you have to truly contain him.....to try and get him in foul trouble. He wasn't the fastest or the biggest, but man he was always in the right place. Such a great "effort" and "position" defender.

unc cheater fans called that flopping. They think every charge call that goes against them flopping.One mean reason I don't like them as a fan base. OFC

 

[FearTheBeard_rivals208808]

Battier, but the decision wasn’t that easy.

 

[Hurley22]

unc cheater fans called that flopping. They think every charge call that goes against them flopping.One mean reason I don't like them as a fan base. OFC

Well of course it was....their players have never been out of control or committed 1 single foul for that matter Sky.

 

[DukeRulesBasketball]

Barrier, because I think he would be one of the few players willing to take a charge from Zion!

 

[pisgah101]

Battier was a goat at D even in the NBA but still Zion would get his

 

[meisperplexed]

Of those three, I think Shane would have been the most successful. He was a holy terror on the defensive end of the floor. Grant would have the athleticism and quickness to stay with Zion, but I think Zion is just too strong for Grant to handle. However, if I'm totally honest, I'm shocked that Wojo wasn't an option to vote for.

 

[BeerPoisoning]

Shane - easy choice. I was a young buck when he got drafted but I’ll never forget when they asked him about his average athleticism he said, “Athletes win track meets and basketball players win basketball games.”

Of course he was DPOY and showcased for his D, but he had an unnoticed excellent lateral agility. If you’re asking my opinion, he is the most fundamentally sound and smartest (highest IQ) defender in college basketball history. Fundamentals, IQ and lateral agility combined is a perfect recipe to contain* Zion.

Contain* = Let’s be real... Nobody couls stop Z, but I think Shane would keep him in check (or on the bench with foul trouble)

 

[skysdad]

I might should have listed Shelden as an option. OFC

 

[meisperplexed]

I thought of Shelden too, but I'm not sure he's quick enough. He one of the few who would likely be strong enough though.

 

[Dattier]

Shane, as he was the best defender overall, and the smartest, which you'd need beyond physical gifts.

Grant would have been best able to match the athleticism, though.

I barely remember Billy King... I didn't think he was that big... I feel like his success was in overcoming speed, strength, and athletic deficiencies against all odds. He might be as prepared as anyone to deal with being at a disadvantage b/c it would be business as usual... If I'm not totally misremembering him.

But Shane... Shane.

 

[skysdad]

Shane, as he was the best defender overall, and the smartest, which you'd need beyond physical gifts.

Grant would have been best able to match the athleticism, though.

I barely remember Billy King... I didn't think he was that big... I feel like his success was in overcoming speed, strength, and athletic deficiencies against all odds. He might be as prepared as anyone to deal with being at a disadvantage b/c it would be business as usual... If I'm not totally misremembering him.

But Shane... Shane.

I think Billy was about 6' 8". OFC

 

[skysdad]

I think Billy was about 6' 8". OFC[/QUOTE


Billy was listed at 6'6". A little short to handle Zion. King had the ability to guard every position except center though. OFC

 

[QC Dukie]

unc cheater fans called that flopping. They think every charge call that goes against them flopping.One mean reason I don't like them as a fan base. OFC

Their fan base is THE reason I can’t stand em

 

[nets on nets on nets]

Can't decide between Shane Battier or Tyler HansTravelFlop.

 

[dukehokie]

Shane - easy choice. I was a young buck when he got drafted but I’ll never forget when they asked him about his average athleticism he said, “Athletes win track meets and basketball players win basketball games.”

Of course he was DPOY and showcased for his D, but he had an unnoticed excellent lateral agility. If you’re asking my opinion, he is the most fundamentally sound and smartest (highest IQ) defender in college basketball history. Fundamentals, IQ and lateral agility combined is a perfect recipe to contain* Zion.

Contain* = Let’s be real... Nobody couls stop Z, but I think Shane would keep him in check (or on the bench with foul trouble)

I’m all in agreement with this. To do anything against Zion, you have to have a plan, and Shane planned better than anyone.

I think you’re right @BeerPoisoning. Shane was hands down at the smartest defender I’ve ever seen. I think it was Hubie Brown who said the only player he’s seen who matched or bettered Shane in that regard was Bill Russell.

Because of that, Shane gets my vote. Billy’s determination makes him second for me. Grant is third. I think on the perimeter, all three guys would give him trouble as his handle is probably his weakest attribute. Inside, Shane stood the best chance.

 

[ZeroZeroSeven]

Nassir Little obviously

 

[BeerPoisoning]

I’m all in agreement with this. To do anything against Zion, you have to have a plan, and Shane planned better than anyone.

I think you’re right @BeerPoisoning. Shane was hands down at the smartest defender I’ve ever seen. I think it was Hubie Brown who said the only player he’s seen who matched or bettered Shane in that regard was Bill Russell.

Because of that, Shane gets my vote. Billy’s determination makes him second for me. Grant is third. I think on the perimeter, all three guys would give him trouble as his handle is probably his weakest attribute. Inside, Shane stood the best chance.

He was a master planner, that’s for sure. One of the best students of the game, he studied all his match-ups and played strategically..... I’d give anything for another Battier

 

[dukehokie]

He was a master planner, that’s for sure. One of the best students of the game, he studied all his match-ups and played strategically..... I’d give anything for another Battier

Listening to him breakdown his thoughts on guarding Kobe, LeBron, DWade, Dirk and some of the others is classic.

 

[TheDude1]

Shane. Best defender we’ve ever had, maybe the best defender in the history of college basketball.

 

[PixelDevil]

Nassir Little obviously

Well he did hold him to 0 points in 2/3 games

 

[skysdad]

Not a player but if Zion had played for Duke bacK in the 70's while phil ford was playing for the cheaters dean smith would have made it hard for Zion to score by having ford dribble around in the four corners if unc got a one point lead. OFC