Caleb Ostrander

Center

Offensive Game:

Caleb has a strong post game, with drop-step and a jump hook.  He prefers the lower left block from a point guard's perspective (the Olajuwon side).  His footwork is exceptional.  He's adept at getting the shot from post position.  He can take a hit and give as good as he gets when working with a power move.  He has a strong drive when facing from the outside, although a bit of sloppy ball-handling and footwork will turn some drives into travels.  In the post, he is slow and methodical.  On the perimeter, he uses a quick first step and generally tries to finish with a finesse move.

His size helps him, and he employs good variety to receive entry passes.  However, once the ball goes in, it's rarely coming back out;  he is not a strong passer in the post.

Caleb also has 3-point range with a reliable outside shot.  He can also shoot a lane fadeaway, although this pulls him away from the strength of his game.

 Defensive Game:

Caleb is an old-style shot-blocker.  When playing more as a forward, he tends to gamble a bit on the outside.  He's quick and mobile for a center, but if he's ever moved to a skill position, he becomes a defensive liability.

He's weaker than expected as a defensive rebounder, mostly due to poor rebounding position as the result of the shot-block.

The Mental Game:

Big and tall describes his physical game;  he's a mental midget.  He can get so down on himself when he's missing shots that instead of trying to rebound them, he simply tries to shoot himself out of it on the next trip.  He plays without an awareness of score or situation;  he often takes his 3-pointer at ill-advised times.  Tends to be a "win it or lose it" player.  Amazingly enough, however, he tends to do well in the clutch with that mentality.

His defensive focus is continually on the shot-block, which makes him more disciplined defensively than offensively, although in a half-court game, when he's unhinged, you can beat him with the fast outside-inside transition before he has time to focus (while he's still beating up on himself).

At his best:

...the answer to all questions - offensively and defensively - in the post.

At his worst:

...he'll do a better job of taking himself out of a game than an opponent can.

Strategy for playing with him:

Play outside-to-inside basketball, and let him work.  Reward him for good position often;  if he leaves the post too often, re-focus him by playing pick-and-roll.  Make sure to use all the different angles you can feed him from and take advantage of his post footwork.  Do not feed him for the open three-pointer unless you're willing to accept a three-pointer.  Give him room to work in the post;  keep your man away from his blind side.

Strategy for playing against him:

Send double-teams into the post and turn him into a passer.  Make sure his shots are difficult, and attack quickly after rebounding his miss.  Concentrate specifically on rebounds off of shots that he's missed.  Force him into a finesse game rather than a power game.  Tighten defense around other players when he's off, and encourage him to try to shoot his way out of slumps.  Attack his blind side aggressively.

Comparable Pro:  Rasheed Wallace

Last updated:  June 17, 2008