Guard & Wing Archetypes
Definition: Initiates most offensive possessions.
Player Types
Core Principle: Define by Function, Not Position
An archetype is a functional classification of how a player generates offense, where they score, and what spacing/passing demands they impose on defenders.
Direct answer
What is Core Principle: Define by Function, Not Position?
An archetype is a functional classification of how a player generates offense, where they score, and what spacing/passing demands they impose on defenders.
Quick facts
| Category | Player Types |
|---|---|
| Source volume | Basketball Knowledge Vault/vol4_ncaa_systems_archetypes_scouting.md |
What it is
- An archetype is a functional classification of how a player generates offense, where they score, and what spacing/passing demands they impose on defenders.
How it works
- Two players at the same position may belong to different archetypes; two players at different positions may share one.
- Classification is based on usage patterns, shot distribution, and creation style observed across possessions.
Bilingual terms
| English | Core Principle: Define by Function, Not Position |
|---|---|
| Simplified Chinese | 核心原则：按功能定义，而非按位置 |
| Traditional Chinese | 核心原則：按功能而非職位定義 |
Learn before and after
These graph neighbors help place Core Principle: Define by Function, Not Position in the larger basketball map.
Related concepts
Core Principle: Defense is Assigned Role, Not Individual Talent
Defensive roles are functional assignments that define what a player guards, what help they provide, and what they sacrifice to specialize.
Athletic Finisher
Scores via cutting, putbacks, transition finishes.
Connector
Definition: Moves ball without taking shot.
Player Roles Within Systems
A player's archetype is how they score and create.
Post Scorer
Definition: Back-to-basket specialist.
Primary Creator
Mapping to Archetype: Ideal: Primary Ball Handler (natural fit)