As someone who battled in the trenches during the early 2000s NBA, the game has changed dramatically. The traditional back-to-the-basket center is nearly extinct, replaced by versatile 7-footers who can handle the ball and shoot the three.
While the required skillsets have evolved, the fundamentals of rebounding, screening angles, and rim protection remain the same. Here is how we train our frontcourt at Cal to adapt to the modern pace-and-space era.
Today’s big man must be able to defend the pick-and-roll out in space. If a 6’10” player cannot slide his feet on the perimeter for three defensive seconds against an opposing guard, he becomes a massive liability. We spend roughly 40% of our big man development time doing nothing but close-outs, lateral slides, and perimeter recovery drills.
Offensively, creating spacing is the primary objective. Even if our center never shoots a 3-pointer in a game, they must be comfortable catching the ball trailing the play, reading the defense, and making split-second DHO (Dribble Handoff) decisions. The modern big is the hub of the offense, not just a post-up threat.
