Is Dillon Brooks the best FIBA World Cup defender? ‘Yeah. This tournament, this NBA world

A Canadian team employee yelled, “First bus!” across Ninoy Aquino Stadium during post-practice media availability, the two worst words a reporter can hear.

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However, Dillon Brooks is not rushing to the charter idling outside. The notorious defender is walking across the half-court line of this dismal arena in black Birkenstocks, replacing his sneakers.

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Each night, Brooks does that. For this Canada team, which is one win away from a World Cup gold medal clash with Team USA, and for his role as a Houston Rockets perimeter pest.

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He balances antics and affect, limiting Luka Dončić to 8-of-20 shooting in the quarterfinal win over Slovenia on Wednesday. The All-NBA superstar was thrown for two technicals, but only after Brooks was disqualified.

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Dončić criticized the officials' leniency towards Brooks' actions, not his strategy. According to Dončić, many people dislike him after the game. “I respect him for what he does.”

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“I think he's the best defender, with Lu Dort, the best perimeter defender in this competition,” Canada head coach Jordi Fernandez said.

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I thought Wednesday was a defensive masterclass of leading with his chest, exposing his hands, and pressuring full court. Unless you think that, you don't like basketball."

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[{"selector":"#anim-56081eb8-73a8-435c-8549-0e0e5ca679bd [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(28.64843737043955%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":3000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] After Canada's 100-89 triumph, FIBA allowed boom mics to be used over team huddles, revealing Brooks' orders to stay in front of Dončić's prodding. “Guard him here,” Brooks said, standing sentinel with two fists at his hips. “Do you understand? Send him there way. We receive help, rotations, and steals.”

[{"selector":"#anim-2e6b418f-d10a-411b-9bb6-0e5b882d7ef7 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(33.12499989760315%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":3000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] In Houston, Brooks' guidance is as crucial as his defense. After hiring Ime Udoka, who led the NBA's best defense in 2021-22, as head coach, the Rockets announced their free-agent pursuit. Udoka wants to change identity on the ground level of this redevelopment. The coach has credited Brooks with boosting the Rockets' ceiling.