Brandon Garrison’s journey as a basketball player has been one marked by dedication, growth, and a relentless desire to improve. Throughout his career, he’s been eager to refine every aspect of his game, constantly seeking new techniques and skills that can elevate his performance on the court. One of the most pivotal moments in his recent development has been learning a specific post move from Kentucky’s head coach, Mark Pope. Garrison’s explanation of this move reveals not just a technical breakdown but also provides insight into his mindset, work ethic, and aspirations to become a more complete player. His enthusiasm when describing the move underscores his belief that mastering it could be a game-changer for him, allowing him to become a more effective scorer and a more versatile center.
Garrison recalls that the move was introduced during practice sessions early in the offseason, when Pope emphasized the importance of adding a reliable scoring option down low. The coach was insistent that for Garrison to maximize his potential and fit into the team’s offensive scheme, he needed a signature move that could help him score against tough defenders and create separation in the post. Pope’s approach was methodical and patient, breaking down the move step-by-step and stressing the importance of footwork, timing, and body positioning. Garrison immediately recognized that this move could be a vital part of his arsenal, especially given his size and physicality, which he believed could be leveraged more effectively with proper technique.
The move itself is a variation of a classic post move but with a modern twist tailored to Garrison’s strengths. It involves a quick jab step to create space, followed by a drop step that aims to turn the defender and establish a dominant position near the basket. Once in position, Garrison uses a quick, controlled up-and-under pivot to get his shot off, making it difficult for the defender to anticipate whether he will go up for a shot or pivot away for a pass or a different move. The key to executing this move successfully lies in the footwork—keeping a low center of gravity, maintaining balance, and making a decisive move to catch the defender off-guard. Garrison emphasizes that the timing and rhythm are crucial; executing the move too slowly or hesitating can give the defender time to react and block the shot.
Garrison explains that Pope’s coaching philosophy is centered around precision and patience. The coach constantly reminds his players that mastery of the post move is about more than just brute strength; it’s about finesse, timing, and understanding the defender’s tendencies. For Garrison, this meant breaking down each component of the move repeatedly during drills, gradually building muscle memory so that in games, the move becomes instinctual rather than a conscious effort. Pope’s emphasis on repetition and attention to detail resonated with Garrison, who committed himself to practicing the move relentlessly. Day after day, he would spend extra time in the gym working on his footwork, hand placement, and body positioning, aiming to make the move second nature.
Garrison describes the process as painstaking but rewarding. At first, executing the move in live drills was challenging; he would often find himself either rushing the jab step or failing to pivot quickly enough. However, with consistent practice, he began to notice subtle improvements. He recalls a moment during a scrimmage when he was able to catch the ball in the post, execute the drop step, and make a soft, accurate shot while being heavily guarded. That moment was a breakthrough for him, confirming that the move was not just theoretical but a practical weapon he could use in game situations. It also boosted his confidence, giving him a newfound belief in his scoring ability from the low block.
Garrison emphasizes that this move has a lot of potential because it allows him to be more unpredictable on offense. Opposing defenders, who may have initially been comfortable guarding him with standard post-up techniques, now have to contend with a more refined skill that can catch them off guard. The quick jab step creates initial space, forcing the defender to react prematurely, while the drop step and pivot provide options for finishing at the rim or passing out to open teammates. Garrison notes that the move’s versatility means he can use it in different contexts—whether catching the ball in the post on a fast break, sealing off a defender in half-court sets, or creating opportunities when double-teamed.
He also shares that Pope’s instruction wasn’t just about the move itself but about understanding when and how to use it effectively. The coach stressed that timing is critical; using the move too early or at the wrong moment could lead to turnovers or missed scoring chances. Garrison learned to read the game situation, recognizing when defenders were vulnerable, and seize those moments to execute the move confidently. Over time, through film study and game simulation, he developed better instincts about the right timing, which he believes is just as important as the technical execution.
Garrison acknowledges that mastering this post move has required patience and persistence. There were moments when he felt frustrated, especially when he couldn’t get the move right under pressure or against more experienced defenders. However, he credits Pope’s mentorship and the team’s supportive environment for helping him stay motivated. The coaching staff emphasized that improvement is a gradual process and encouraged players to stay committed, even when progress seems slow. Garrison took that advice to heart, pushing himself through countless repetitions and challenging himself to execute the move in increasingly difficult situations.
He also highlights the importance of confidence in executing the move during games. It’s one thing to perform well in practice, but translating that into game situations requires mental toughness. Garrison recalls a game where he found himself in the post against a skilled defender. Instead of reverting to a less effective move or passing out, he took a deep breath, remembered Pope’s coaching points, and confidently executed the drop step and up-and-under. The shot went in, and the team responded positively. That moment reinforced his belief that the move is not just a technical skill but a psychological tool—one that can help him assert himself offensively and become a more reliable scoring option.
From a broader perspective, Garrison sees this move as a crucial step in his overall development as a player. Traditionally, centers are often seen as primarily rebounders and shot-blockers, but Garrison wants to expand his game to include a polished offensive skill set. He recognizes that becoming a threat in the post will make him more versatile and harder for defenders to contain. The move also aligns with his goal of becoming a more well-rounded player—someone who can score consistently, contribute on defense, and be a leader on the team.
Garrison also discusses how this move fits into the team’s offensive philosophy. Kentucky emphasizes inside-out scoring and ball movement, and having a reliable post move like the one Pope taught him can open up the floor for shooters and cutters. When defenders collapse to stop him in the post, it creates opportunities for kick-outs and open shots for teammates. Garrison believes that mastering this move will not only improve his individual scoring but also make the team’s offense more dynamic and unpredictable.
He shares that he’s also been working on other aspects of his game to complement this move—such as footwork drills, conditioning, and developing a softer touch around the rim. The process has been comprehensive, aimed at making him a more effective offensive weapon from multiple angles. Garrison understands that basketball is a game of constant evolution, and he’s committed to continually refining his skills to stay ahead of opponents.
In addition, Garrison appreciates the mentorship and guidance from Pope and the coaching staff. They’ve provided him with detailed film analysis, personalized drills, and strategic insights to help him understand the nuances of the post move. Their patience and belief in his potential have been motivating factors. Garrison also mentions that watching other great post players, both past and present, has helped him visualize how to incorporate the move into his repertoire effectively. He studies their footwork, timing, and decision-making, aiming to emulate the best while adapting it to his own style.
As he reflects on the journey of learning this move, Garrison emphasizes that it’s not just about the technical execution but about developing a mindset of confidence and resilience. He recognizes that every player faces setbacks and moments of self-doubt, but the key is to keep pushing and trusting in the process. His dedication to mastering this post move exemplifies his broader approach to the game—one rooted in continuous improvement, discipline, and a desire to leave a lasting impact on the court.
Looking ahead, Garrison is optimistic about how this move will translate into his performance this season. He envisions himself becoming a more reliable scoring option in the low post, drawing attention from defenses and creating opportunities for others. He’s eager to showcase the skills he’s worked so hard to develop in high-pressure situations and to contribute meaningfully to Kentucky’s success. His confidence in the move’s effectiveness is unwavering, and he’s determined to incorporate it seamlessly into his game.
Ultimately, Garrison’s explanation of the post move taught by Mark Pope reveals not just a technical detail but also a window into his character as a player. It illustrates his willingness to learn, his perseverance through challenges, and his aspiration to continually elevate his game. His appreciation for the coaching staff’s guidance and his own disciplined approach highlight a player committed to growth. As he continues to refine this move and integrate it into his overall skill set, Garrison sees it as a stepping stone toward becoming a more complete, impactful player—someone who can make a difference on both ends of the floor and help lead Kentucky to new heights. His journey exemplifies how dedication, combined with expert coaching and a growth mindset, can unlock hidden potential and transform a player’s career.
