Alex Caruso reveals his tricks to excel in defense

With 1.7 interceptions and 3.4 deflected balls on average per game, 8.5 fewer points allowed on 100 possessions when he was on the field, Alex Caruso could have invited himself to an All-Defensive Team if his season had not been marked by injuries (41 games missed).

The Chicago player is nonetheless an excellent defender. Interviewed by Basketballnews.comhe agreed to deliver some of his “tips” to make a difference in defense, starting with the management of space, whether it is the use of sidelines or the placement of his teammates.

“In professional basketball, the more information you have before an action takes place, the more likely you are to hit a stop.”he explained. “The field is so big and the 3-point line is so far. And, nowadays, everyone is playing a “pace-and-space” type attack where you try to outrun everyone and take advantage of one-on-one matchups. For me, it’s just about creating benefits for myself. These guys are so good that even if I tried to challenge them one-on-one with my head held high, with the best defense of my life, they could still score. So for me it’s just about trying to create maximum benefits. The best advantage you have in defense is your teammates, so I try to use them as much as possible, whether they are aware of it or not.

Pick-and-roll, a game of anticipation

Alex Caruso also spoke about “pick-and-roll” situations, where placement and anticipation remain the key notions to ensure a good defense.

“You need a bit of anticipation and being able to control the player who receives the ball. If he has a chance to outrun you, and you try to go over the screen, it may just increase the 2-to-1 advantage they’re trying to get. It’s just about looking ahead, but also trying to be like an NFL defender. I don’t necessarily try to beat them right away. I just want to make sure that I’m in their perimeter, that I move like them. Then once we get to the screen point, I connect to their body, hip to hip, chest to chest, and just try to walk through the screen. It takes a lot of practice. For years I struggled in training to try to improve on that, and it served me well.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3uOXSE9Gm9M

Among the fiercest screenwriters he has had the misfortune to meet on his way, Alex Caruso first names Steven Adams and Jonas Valanciunas before mentioning a third name, that of Draymond Green, for a particular reason…

“Just because he puts up illegal screens and we let him get away with it”ar he slipped with a smile. “In defence, I myself probably make more fouls compared to those that are really whistled at me. Referees cannot whistle a foul every time. And there, you know that Draymond will eventually find Stephen Curry open. He’s going to run into you and the refs won’t point it out. Let’s just say his ability to be physical and provide open situations for his teammates is pretty good.”