Orlando Magic 2021 NBA Draft Preview: Jalen Suggs offers versatility

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FORT MYERS, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 27: Chris Moore #5 of the Auburn Tigers drives for the net as Jalen Suggs #1 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs defends during the first half during the Rocket Mortgage Fort Myers Tip-Off at Suncoast Credit Union Arena on November 27, 2020 in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /

Orlando Magic Draft Profile: Jalen Suggs

Defensive Instincts

Jalen Suggs certainly made his name on the offensive end, but he also quietly put together one of the better defensive seasons for a guard in the West Coast Conference.

In the crucial minutes of regulation against UCLA in the Final Four, before he went on to make one of college basketball’s most-heralded buzzer-beaters, Suggs made a defensive play that was critical for the eventual win:

Shot blocking is what separates Suggs from other guards his age. In addition to the athleticism mentioned previously, Suggs has a supernatural nose for the ball. Even with his superior leaping ability, he doesn’t make the above play without the use of optimal angles to cut precious seconds off his recovery.

Overall, Suggs projects to be a strong defender for his size, and he showed a willingness to compete on the defensive end during Gonzaga’s long 32 game season.

It may sound trite, but Suggs’ willingness to compete on each possession does give him a slight edge as a defensive player. He relishes taking on the challenge on both ends of the floor.

As Gonzaga’s second-best on-ball defender, Suggs averaged two steals per game last season. With a 6-foot-6-inch wingspan, he has the length to bother opposing point guards and to disrupt passing lanes at the next level.