I know Warrick is famous for getting a block, but he was arguably the worst defensive player that's ever started for Boeheim.
Its hard to compare positions, and eras. For example, 80's defense was non-existent but for his time Douglas was a good defender, in man to man that is, he was too small for the top of the zone. He left SU as the all time leader in steals.
For the top of the zone, I'm looking for the length to contest threes, the smarts to play good positional defense, and the quick hands to get a lot of steals. That said, for the top of the zone I think the tier 1 defenders are (in no particular order): Heart, Rautins, MCW, Gbinije. Cooney is close, probably borderline being in this group - not quite as good positionally as the rest, but still a hell of a defender.
For forwards, I want length and jumping ability, as well as quick feet. You want a guy who can contest a three, and in a fraction of a second get down low and block shots. They need to be strong enough to bang for rebounds down low, and long enough to simply out jump the opponent for rebounds because its hard to box out in a zone. I think tier 1 is: Owens (not many forwards average 2 steals a game for SU, he was one) and Bergan. That may be it for top tier forwards. Syracuse has a tradition of long, quality defensive forwards so its hard to stand out. Grant was getting there, and would certainly be on this list if he stayed a third year, but as a sophomore he's probably borderline tier 1/tier 2. Lydon can get there too if he stays.
For centers, its great to have a shot blocker, but probably more important to have a strong guy who can win the positional battle, and force the opposing center a few feet out of his comfort zone. Fab Melo is the best Syracuse has ever had positionally (along with AO) and also an elite shot blocker. He is the best defensive center we've ever had. Eton Thomas is also tier 1. I might put Rick Jackson in tier 1 too, he had really great instincts for blocking shots despite not being overly tall or athletic. He was also a big strong dude. Christmas belongs in tier 1 too, that guy could really defend on all levels.
An interesting question: I've considered MCW and Triche the best top of the zone combo we have ever had, but I think Gbinije and Cooney are making a run at them. MCW and Triche were a little more effective, but Gbinije and Cooney are getting it done while having to help weaker inside defenders out (something MCW and Triche never had to worry about). Its a close call, and an interesting discussion.
