Big Man on Campus – player notes
The center is considered a necessary component for a successful team, especially in professional leagues such as the NBA. But recently, the NBA has turned into a point guard league and many centers are shooting threes now. Great centers have been the foundation for most of the dynasties in both the NBA and NCAA.
The centre is generally the tallest player who is positioned near the basket as he must be able to get up as high as possible for rebounds. He is also required to be more physically domineering with more physical strength and overall athleticism.
Offensive — The centre’s goal is to get open for a pass and to shoot. They are required to block defenders, and to open other players up for driving to the basket for a goal. Centres are expected to get some offensive rebounds and put-backs.
The centre should be good at making quick jump shots, hook shots, and using the backboard on his shots.
Defensive — On defense, the centre’s main responsibility is to keep opponents from shooting by blocking shots and passes in the key area. They also are expected to get more rebounds because they’re taller.
The 6’10” (2.08 m) George Mikan pioneered the Center position, shattering the widely held perception that tall players could not develop the agility and coordination to play basketball well, and ushering in the role of the dominant big man.
The low-post functions of the center position continued to dwindle in the 2010s as the NBA shifted into a more perimeter-oriented style of play. While there are still a few centers that play a more traditional style (e.g. DeAndre Jordan, Rudy Gobert), some centers begin to adapt to the outside game.
Standing 7 feet 3 inches, Sorn is the tallest basketball player in the state of Washington. He has a great defensive presence, meeting lay ups and dunks at the rim for blocked shots. With his height and length alone, it will make shots harder for opposing player.
“I think my biggest strength on the court is that I am a rim is that I am a rim protector. Most teams hesitate when attacking the basket when I’m in the middle because they know that most shots I am going to get to. The coaching staff at Washington Supreme have made that very clear that my primary role is just that.” said Sorn.
What are some of your biggest areas of improvement and what our most coaches advising you to work during the off-season?
“This off season I worked on my foot work. I still have a lot to work on in all aspects of my game, so pretty much the question would be, what won’t I be working on. Most coaches have expressed at the next level I’ll need to be more dominant with the ball in my hand.”
With interest coming from Boise State, Eastern Washington, University of Montana, Pepperdine, and few other programs. Sorn knows he needs to continue to show the coaches that he is consistently in the gym working on his game and developing to prepare himself for the next level where ever he might play.