Top defenders in 2020 NBA Draft

While the top end of this draft class is headlined by offensive stars in the making such as LaMelo Ball, Anthony Edwards, and James Wiseman, some names lower down the board could emerge as lockdown defenders once they hone their craft in the NBA.

Here are the five talents in the class of 2020 with the most defensive potential:

Saddiq Bey, Villanova

One of two 3-and-D prospects on this list, Bey shot a blistering 45.1% on 3-pointers as a sophomore in 2019-20, earning a unanimous All-Big East first-team selection in the process. The Villanova product was also named the 2019-20 winner of the Julius Erving Award, awarded annually to the top small forward in the nation.

Bey's strong, NBA-ready frame and ability to defend multiple positions should help him become a steady contributor on both ends for years to come.

Precious Achiuwa, Memphis

Achiuwa is one of the more versatile big men in the 2020 class, with an ability to guard either forward spot comfortably.

Though he only measures in at 6-foot-9, Achiuwa's 7-foot-2 wingspan should help him thrive as a stellar rim-protector in the NBA. The Memphis product figures to do most of his damage as a high-motor power forward or even as a small-ball center in certain matchups.

Devin Vassell, Florida State

Vassell is one of the most athletic wings set to enter the NBA next season. The 20-year-old uses his slender frame and 6-foot-10 wingspan to full effect, regularly soaring above the rim for highlight-reel finishes. He's also an adept 3-point shooter, connecting on 41% of his career attempts from deep.

The Florida State product's 3-and-D potential is off the charts thanks to his high motor and impressive defensive fundamentals. He ranked top 15 in his conference in both block and steal percentage to earn All-ACC second-team honors.

Onyeka Okongwu, USC

Okongwu only stands 6-foot-9, but his elite length and vertical helped him emerge as one of college basketball's top shot-blocking big men during his freshman year at USC.

With a 7-foot-1 wingspan, the 19-year-old has the ability to pile up rejections when guarding opponents one-on-one or as a help defender. He ranked ninth in the nation with 2.7 blocks per game last season.

Okongwu is also a strong rebounder at his position and has the ability to guard smaller players on the perimeter when called upon. His incredible versatility should help him succeed at the next level.

Isaac Okoro, Auburn

Okoro is this draft's crown jewel of defensive prospects, projecting as the top perimeter defender in the class of 2020.

The Auburn product proved himself as a hard worker on the defensive end from the outset of his collegiate career, earning selections to the SEC All-Defensive team and All-SEC second team after averaging 0.9 steals and 0.9 blocks per game as a freshman.

Okoro possesses tremendous foot speed, which allows him to stay close to guards when they attempt drives. His combination of sound defensive fundamentals, strong frame, great length, and ability to anticipate offensive actions also provides him the versatility to guard 1 through 4.

The 19-year-old has significant room to grow on the offensive end of the floor. His progress in that regard will ultimately determine his ceiling.