8 Types of Players, Part 1

Some of you may not know this, but I have organized a pickup basketball game in Dallas over the better part of the last 10 years. During that time, I have come across some outstanding pickup basketball players as well as some players who were in over their head. But invariably, there are some pickup players who stand out as the most memorable, some for their play and some for their qualities. As such, I'd like to take a minute to discuss the 8 types of pickup players I have formed relationships with, as well as their PCTI counterpart and NBA comparison. Enjoy...

1) The "Big Dude who thinks he's a guard". Typically, you get excited when a big guy gets on your team because you think your team will have a chance to own the boards and get some easy baskets in the paint. But this player is really frustrating because while generally being the tallest guy on the court at 6'5" or better, he rarely bangs for boards and has an atrocious shooting percentage from deep. Instead of fighting for position in the lane, this player will jack 23 footers that he can't make. He will typically lead a 2 on 1 fast break and pull up to shoot a 3 ball. And despite encouragement from his teammates to play in the paint, he routinely shrivels up like he's taking a swim in a chlorinated pool. The fact that he refuses to guard the other team's beast only fuels the idea that this guy doesn't want to battle. Picturing himself as a shooting guard versus a power player, this player is a constant source of frustration to his teammates as it forces guys half his size to do his work.

NBA Equivalent: Andrea Bargnani, Rashard Lewis

PCTI Counterpart: Big Brent Carney


2) The Player/Coach. This player plays with the mentality that each second might be his last. He typically wears knee braces, ankle braces, elbowads, wristbands, goggles, and perhaps a headband. He would wear a whistle around his neck if he could get away with it. He would fight back from a season ending injury to play in a single meaningless game. He is also the first person to call out screens for his teammate, and remind you each possession if you fail to do so. He typically will call out offensive plays, even though nobody cares or listens to him. He is scrappy on defense, heady on offense, and looks to pass more than shoot. But despite his good intentions and sound knowledge of the game, he is usually more of a liability on the court. For some reason, this player will usually pick a pet project usually in the form of another player who he thinks he can develop, typically for low IQ and terrible defense. This project almost invariably fails.

NBA Equivalent: Avery Johnson, Jacques Vaughn

PCTI Counterpart: Brian Eskildsen


3) The Football Player: Who doesn't love playing with the football player? I mean, how can you not love getting undercut on an breakaway layup or getting slammed into a wall for a play that is on the other side of the court? This player treats the hardwood as his personal gridiron. He typically just finished lifting weights, so unfortunately he has even more adrenaline to start the pickup game. He will generally dive for every loose ball and fight for every rebound, so you generally want him on your team. Will also resort to dirty and illegal tactics tht resemble football and not basketball. For this player, it is hard to tell the difference between the rules of the 2 games. Usually is moving on every single screen that he sets, mostly because he likes the contact. Wears a mouthpiece not because it helps him at basketball, but because he grew up with a mouthpiece playing football. Typically the most unlike player by the other team. Often referred to disaffectionately as "this guy is murdering me", although not for his basketball exploits.

NBA Equivalent: Matt Harpring, Ben Wallace

PCTI Counterpart: Cockstrong Scott Donley


4) The Hustler. This player always seems like he is playing hard because he is huffing and puffing every trip down the court. But invariably it is not because he is playing hard or sprinting on every play, but just because he is in terrible shape. This player is usually the 6th offensive option in 5 on 5 basketball, so he doesn't worry all that much about his offensive contribution, instead trying to make his contributions elsewhere. If his physical attributes matched his love and passion for the game, he would be a dominant player. It is usually very easy for this guy to keep track of his own stats, because it is not hard to count to zero with respect to points, boards, and blocks. This player is typically the least athletic player on the court, despite repeated attempts to make plays that he cannot make. Because basketball skills are difficult for this player, he makes up for it by hustling, being positive, and being likeable as a teammate.

NBA Equivalent: Brian Cardinal, Brian Scalabrine

PCTI Counterpart: Anthony Hopkins



Part 2 to follow soon...

Sabin