The Center Evolution in Oklahoma
The center position was a forgotten and underappreciated post. The position has went through an evolution over the last decade and it looks different than it ever has before.
In the past, qualifications for being a center was basically that you were the tallest person on the team and you were relegated to move from block to block on offense and to stand near the rim on defense. It was expected that you have a mature set of post moves and if you didn’t then you were useless on offense.
The label of being called a center was almost derogatory a decade ago at the grass roots level. Most players were so caught up in the restrictions of the position at the time that they would shy away from the positives that it also brings.
However, with a serge of talent in the NBA who come in all shapes and sizes, the center position has become cool again and something that you can wear with pride. Kids can see Karl Anthony-Towns, Kristaps Porzingis, or Joel Embiid and they are inspired to play the “5” position in a different way than we have seen before.
2018 center Layton Hartloff is aware of the evolution of the game and the positon. “It’s changing a lot but that’s not necessarily a bad thing,” Hartloff said. “Back in the day it was more of a guy who could score using post hooks and moves like that, but now anybody can shoot so the floor is more spread out.”
The center position has become a skilled position again which has allowed kids at the grassroots level to embrace the label.
“I don’t mind being called a center,” 2018 center Camden Patterson of Ringwood said. “Some of the greats were centers and like most of those greats I have the ability to score past 10 feet with my shooting ability,” Patterson said. “I am proud to be called a big.”
You are seeing stereotypes of positions being erased every year. There are stereotypes that you automatically have when you hear the words point guard or center.
Positions are not being erased but the stereotypes within those positions are being erased which allows that player to play that position in a different way and however is most effective.
2019 talented big man Seth Hurd doesn’t mind being called a center because he knows what makes him successful. “I don’t mind, I just see myself being able to play in the paint and on the perimeter,” Hurd said.
2018 center Braden Hoyer does not mind or care what people call him. “I really don’t mind what people call me,” Hoyer said. “A title really doesn’t matter to me as much as just playing and winning games.”
With a new freedom around the position, there is a good crop of centers in the state of Oklahoma who show how effective the “5” can be and they all do it a different way.
Patterson is excited about the completion at the center positon in Oklahoma. “The centers that I have played against in Oklahoma in my AAU career have been a more versatile player,” Patterson said. “On average most centers in Oklahoma are around 6’6, which makes centers more athletic and versatile.”
“The centers of Oklahoma are a talented group that shows a lot of promise,” Patterson said
There is a talented group of centers in the state who are direct examples of the evolution of the center position.