Nerlens Noel is rated as the No. 2 high school junior by ESPN and is widely considered its most dominant defensive big man.

“He’s an uncanny defensive player,” says Tilton coach Marcus O’Neil. “He has unusual and exceptional quick-ness on defense.” 

Noel's favorite player is Kevin Garnett and he emulates his game on the defensive end of the floor with how he is active and talkative.

“He’s a fierce competitor who doesn’t back down to anybody on the other team,” says O’Neil. “He’d be happy if the other team didn’t score a point.” 

But Noel is still a work in progress on offense. Noel is trying to expand his offensive repertoire and add “good weight” to his frame.