Ian Mahinmi and Princeton Post Development: A Correction

This page previously claimed that Ian Mahinmi developed at Indiana University in a Princeton-based offense. That claim was incorrect. The NBA lists Pau Orthez as his last team before the NBA. The Pacers identify San Antonio as the team that drafted him in 2005.

Separate the Player's Record From the Teaching

The sources reviewed here do not establish that the Princeton Offense caused Mahinmi's professional success. A coaching article should not use his career as proof of that claim. The post-development guidance below comes from Lee DeForest's playbook.

The post's job changes with the action. In Chin, 5 screens for the cutter and then the flare receiver. In Point, 5 catches at the elbow and passes to the action created by the passer's route. In Low, 5 catches near the basket and can score while teammates run a split or cut.

The Post Skills Each Set Needs

• Chin screening: 3 cuts when 4 releases the pass to 2. 5 backscreens 3, then immediately flare-screens 4. The second screen must follow the first without waiting to receive the ball.
• Point passing: After the elbow catch, see the passer's Over, Under, or Away route. Keep the ball protected and deliver to the open cutter or return receiver.
• Low scoring: Catch with balance and look to score when the matchup and help permit. Teammates continue the chosen split or cut so the post has a passing answer.
• Continuation: When Low's scoring options close, pass out and move toward the strongside elbow. The wing then chooses the next action.

Practice these jobs separately before linking them. A player who can pass at the elbow still needs repetitions setting the Chin screens and handling a pressured low-post catch.

Coaching the Princeton Post Player

Elbow Catch and Read

Start with one Point route. In Over, 1 passes to 5 and moves over the top toward 4. 4 sets up the backcut and looks for 5's pass. If covered, 1 comes back out for the return pass. Teach the catch and these two passing windows before adding the side ball screen.

Add defenders to the cutter and return receiver. Have 5 identify which pass is open and keep the ball when both are covered. A rushed dribble or a forced pass should not replace reading the action.

High-Low and Cutter Passes

A high-low pass goes from a high-post player to a low-post target. A pass to a player cutting through the lane is a cutter pass. Both require timing, but the receiving positions differ. In Point Under, 4 can post after screening for 1 and become a high-low target for 5.

Use a low-post defender and a help defender in the drill. The passer must recognize the seal, protect the ball, and pass only when the target and lane are available.

Scoring From the Catch

Teach a balanced catch, a pivot that preserves the passing view, and a shot or drive within the player's skill. In Low, use the post's finishing package near the rim. Do not prescribe a drop-step from the elbow or require every post to become a perimeter shooter before using the offense.

Choose the Next Practice Focus

Watch one possession from the set your team uses most. Identify whether the post missed a screen, a catch, a scoring opening, or a passing window. Recreate that situation with guided defense, then test it live.

For the full sequences, use the Chin, Point, and Low teaching pages alongside the playbook.