Jacori Owens 'Taking Charge'
When we came out with our Phenom All State Defensive team, 6'9 junior Jacori Owens made our second team. That being said, there may not be a more complete defensive player in the state and would be in my opinion one of the top vote getters for the best overall defensive player. In most situations, we think of guards that apply ball pressure or centers with their shot blocking abilities. For Owens, he does a little bit of everything.
Owens has a physically mature frame, excellent length and in our opinion is one of the best, if not the best, 'low post' defenders in the state regardless of class. First of all, Owens has good footwork on the defensive side of the ball. He has the athleticism and strength to deny entry passes to the opposing post player, along with the ability to block or alter shots in the paint. Simply put, he is a rim protector, has excellent instincts, and utilizes his physical attributes as well as anyone we have seen all season. In addition, Owens is custom made for coach Jeff McInnis's pressure defense and team defensive philosophies, and no one rotates better in the defensive weak side position to take charges. At the Phenom Hargrave Military Challenge, Owens took FOUR defensive charges in one game that basically took away eight points from the opposing team.
Jacori Owens checks a lot of boxes. He has a great attitude, understands team defensive principles, plays hard, competes and will battle you 'tooth and nail' each and every position. Owens brings an old fashion blue-collar approach to the game. He may not be the most vocal player on the court, but his defensive play speaks volume and his defensive strengths should make college coaches salivate over his team first approach and defensive prowess.
