FILM ROOM: Tanah Becker's perimeter defense results in instant offense

Welcome to the ninth edition of KSR’s Film Room series, a weekly series where we’ll be taking a look at each player on Kentucky’s 2024-25 roster and breaking down their film. In back-to-back weeks now, we’ll be taking a look at a freshman, this time being Tanah Becker.

You can also view our other Film Room breakdowns by clicking below.

• Georgia Amoore FILM ROOM
• Dazia Lawrence FILM ROOM
• Clara Strack FILM ROOM
• Jordan Obi FILM ROOM
• Amelia Hassett FILM ROOM
• Saniah Tyler FILM ROOM
• Teonni Key FILM ROOM
• Clara Silva FILM ROOM

Becker originally committed to Kentucky under Kyra Elzy, and for the most part, Becker fits the mold of what Elzy would want in a player. She’s going to get up and down the floor and play aggressively on defense. However, her size and length coupled with her all-around offensive ability also makes her a nice fit under Kenny Brooks as well.

Pressuring the ball handler on the perimeter

Perhaps Becker’s biggest strength as a player would be her perimeter defense. Next to Cassidy Rowe and Georgia Amoore, Becker may be the best true defender on this year’s Kentucky team. Even then, Becker still might be just slightly better then both of them in that regard.

At 6-foot-1, Becker can guard multiple positions, which she takes great pride in. Her length and size allow her to be disruptive to opposing offenses. Plus, it’s not like she’s hacking away and fouling frequently because of it.

Becker is a disciplined defender, and that is going to be very valuable this season. If Kentucky is up a few possessions down the wire, don’t be shocked if Becker is in the game to make stops.

Getting after it in transition

Adding onto that, Becker’s intensity on the defensive end allows her to create turnovers, and ultimately scoring opportunities in transition.

If Becker gets the ball on a fastbreak, then it’s practically game over. Not only can she find the open runner or shooter out in transition, but she can also take it all 94 feet by herself. On top of her length and size, Becker is also super quick.

She doesn’t tend to shy away from contact either. Even if the defense is able to get back in time to guard the paint, Becker will still go inside and score if need be. She has able footwork that allows her to create just enough separation for the bucket down low. When she gets a full head of steam, look out.

Knocking down the three

The biggest question regarding Becker’s game is just how consistently can she knock down shots from the perimeter. If she’s in with Georgia Amoore or another facilitator, Becker is going to have to shoot (and make) some shots to warrant her playing time.

Well, fortunately for Becker, her three-point shooting is solid. Maybe she doesn’t get red-hot and untouchable like a Saniah Tyler does at times, but if she’s open, it’s most likely going in.

Also, considering just how effectively Becker is at getting downhill and driving to the basket, teams may not be as willing to have their defense right up on her on the perimeter, risking getting blown by. If that’s so, Becker should have ample space to let it fly.