The Fortunate Irony of Quinten Post Doing Most of His Damage Away From the Post

In basketball, the post game has traditionally been the domain of towering figures with back-to-the-basket moves, dominance around the rim, and the ability to use size and strength to impose their will on opponents. However, in recent years, a new breed of big men has emerged, altering the way we perceive the “traditional” post player. Quinten Post, a standout forward from Boston College, exemplifies this shift in modern basketball. While he possesses the size, skills, and physicality of a traditional post player, much of his damage on the court occurs away from the post, and this shift in his playing style represents a fortunate irony in his development as a player.

What’s particularly intriguing about Quinten Post’s game is the way he blends his post skills with an ability to stretch the floor in a way that is more characteristic of a stretch forward or even a center in today’s game. While he has the tools to be a traditional back-to-the-basket presence, he thrives by embracing the modern game’s emphasis on shooting, spacing, and versatility. This evolution in his playing style has helped him become a mismatch nightmare for defenders, and his ability to adapt to the changing landscape of basketball is part of what makes him such a valuable asset for his team.

The Traditional Post Player in Today’s Game

Before diving into the specifics of Quinten Post’s game, it’s essential to understand the traditional role of a post player in basketball. Historically, post players were the centerpiece of an offense. They were often the tallest players on the court, using their size to establish position in the paint, score easy baskets near the rim, and dominate the boards. Players like Shaquille O’Neal, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Patrick Ewing embodied the prototypical post presence—often demanding double teams, working in the low block, and punishing opponents with their physicality.

Even in today’s NBA, some players still dominate the post. Joel Embiid, Nikola Jokić, and Deandre Ayton remain forces down low, using their height and strength to dominate inside. However, the shift toward a more perimeter-oriented game has led to a diminishing emphasis on the post, with three-point shooting, pace, and spacing becoming more integral to offensive success.

Despite this trend, there remains a need for versatile players who can operate inside and outside, combining the traditional post-game with the ability to stretch the floor. This is where Quinten Post’s ironic development becomes so fascinating.

Quinten Post: The Modern Post Player with an Evolving Game

Standing at 6’10”, Quinten Post clearly has the physical attributes of a traditional post player. He has the height, strength, and frame to battle in the paint, and his time at Boston College has shown that he can use his body effectively to establish position near the basket. However, Post has evolved his game to feature a strong perimeter presence that helps him avoid the limitations often associated with the traditional big-man role.

What sets Post apart from many players of his size is his ability to shoot the ball from outside the paint. Early in his career, Post was known primarily for his post-up game, using a variety of moves to score inside. However, as the game has evolved, Post has developed a more diverse offensive skill set that includes mid-range jumpers, three-pointers, and the ability to handle the ball on the perimeter.

The Irony of Doing Damage Away From the Post

The irony of Quinten Post’s development is that while he has the physical tools to dominate in the post, he has done much of his damage away from the basket. Instead of leaning heavily on low-post moves or using brute force to score near the rim, Post has embraced the modern emphasis on spacing and outside shooting. The traditional narrative of the big man is one of dominance around the basket, yet Post has found his success by expanding his range and becoming a weapon on the perimeter.

For example, Post’s three-point shooting has become one of his most potent tools. While not known as a volume shooter from deep, he has shown the ability to knock down shots from beyond the arc with impressive consistency. In fact, Post’s ability to shoot from range creates significant matchup problems for defenders. When he steps outside the paint, defenders are often forced to choose between guarding him on the perimeter or helping to protect the basket. His ability to stretch the floor makes him much harder to defend, and it opens up driving lanes for teammates as well.

One of the fascinating aspects of this shift is that Post is operating in the same space traditionally dominated by smaller players. His ability to space the floor as a stretch four or stretch five is something that would have been difficult to imagine for big men in the past. However, his development as a floor-spacing big man highlights the evolution of the game and the importance of versatility.

Furthermore, Post’s skill set allows him to contribute to his team’s offense in ways that go beyond scoring. He has become an excellent passer out of the post, finding teammates on the move and setting up others for easy buckets. The combination of his scoring ability, his passing, and his ability to space the floor makes him a valuable asset for Boston College, particularly in an era where offensive spacing and versatility are essential.

The Skill Set That Enables Post’s Success

To understand how Quinten Post has managed to thrive away from the post, it’s important to examine the skills that enable his success:

1. Perimeter Shooting

Post’s ability to knock down outside shots, especially from deep, is a significant development in his game. His shooting range extends to the three-point line, and his consistent stroke has made him a more dangerous offensive weapon. In previous seasons, he had shown flashes of shooting ability, but it wasn’t until recent years that he really committed to stretching his range. Now, he has become a player who can contribute to his team’s offense in ways that transcend his traditional post-up game.

2. Basketball IQ and Court Vision

One of the most impressive aspects of Post’s game is his basketball IQ. Not only does he have a strong understanding of how to use his size to his advantage, but he also has the ability to read defenses and make plays for others. This allows him to be effective both as a scorer and as a facilitator. Whether it’s catching the ball on the move or finding an open shooter, Post’s decision-making and court vision have become important aspects of his offensive game.

3. Mobility and Footwork

Quinten Post isn’t just a traditional lumbering big man. His footwork in the post is exceptional, allowing him to make quick moves and get around defenders with ease. He can pivot quickly, spin, and finish with both hands, which makes him a more versatile player. Moreover, his ability to operate in space allows him to be effective on the perimeter, as he can change directions quickly and keep defenders on their heels.

4. Pick-and-Pop Ability

The pick-and-pop has become a vital tool for big men in the modern NBA and college basketball. Quinten Post’s ability to set screens and pop to the perimeter for an open shot is a crucial part of his skill set. Whether it’s a quick jumper or a three-pointer, Post has become effective in this area, and his ability to stretch the floor gives him more options when running pick-and-roll plays.

The Impact of Post’s Evolution

Quinten Post’s development as a player who can do most of his damage away from the post has had significant implications for his team. Boston College has benefited greatly from his versatility, as his ability to space the floor has opened up the offense for his teammates. Rather than being confined to one area of the court, Post is able to impact the game in multiple ways, making him a nightmare for opposing defenders.

For Boston College, this shift in Post’s playing style has also had a ripple effect on how they construct their offense. With Post’s ability to stretch the floor, they can create more opportunities for ball movement and create mismatches that allow other players to thrive. It also makes them harder to defend as teams can’t simply collapse on Post in the paint and force him to play a one-dimensional game.

The Future for Quinten Post

The evolution of Quinten Post’s game is a testament to the way basketball has changed in the modern era. What was once considered an almost mandatory skill set for big men has expanded to include the ability to shoot, space the floor, and create opportunities for others. Post’s evolution into a floor-spacing, perimeter-shooting player who can still operate in the post is a perfect example of how players are being asked to become more well-rounded in today’s game.

As Post continues to refine his game and develop his skills, it’s likely that his ability to impact the game away from the post will only grow. This is a fortunate irony for a player who has all the tools to dominate inside but has found success by adapting to the modern game. For Quinten Post, this evolution isn’t just a result of necessity—it’s a testament to his commitment to growth, adaptability, and his understanding of the game’s ever-changing dynamics.

In the end, it’s this unique blend of the traditional and the modern that makes Quinten Post one of the most exciting big men in college basketball today. His development is proof that the future of the post player is not just about dominating in the paint, but about versatility, skills, and the ability to do damage away from the post.