Quinten Post’s Journey: From the Netherlands to the NBA
In the world of basketball, few stories are as inspiring as that of Quinten Post—a young athlete from the Netherlands who defied expectations to carve out a place in the NBA. His path wasn’t paved with instant fame or elite youth programs. Instead, it was built on relentless work ethic, adaptability, and an unshakable belief in his potential. Today, Post stands as a testament to how talent, when combined with perseverance, can transcend borders and redefine what’s possible.
This article explores Quinten Post’s rise from a small-town Dutch player to aBA prospect, the challenges he overcame, and the lessons his journey offers to aspiring athletes worldwide. Whether you’re a basketball fan, a sports enthusiast, or someone chasing their own dreams, Post’s story is a masterclass in resilience and strategic growth.
Who Is Quinten Post? The Dutch Big Man Making Waves
Quinten Post is a 7-foot-1 center from Amsterdam, Netherlands, whose basketball journey took him from local Dutch leagues to the NCAA and, ultimately, the NBA. Unlike many European prospects who enter the league through elite youth academies or high-profile clubs, Post’s path was unconventional. He honed his skills in relative obscurity before bursting onto the scene with Boston College, where his combination of size, shooting touch, and defensive versatility turned heads.
His story resonates because it challenges the traditional pipelines for international players. Post didn’t come from a basketball powerhouse like Spain’s ACB or Lithuania’s youth systems. Instead, he leveraged every opportunity—whether in the Dutch Eredivisie, the NCAA, or NBA Summer League—to prove he belonged among the world’s best.
Key Milestones in Post’s Career
- Early Years in the Netherlands: Post began playing in Dutch youth leagues, gradually working his way up to professional teams like ZZ Leiden and Donar Groningen. His performances in the Dutch Basketball League (DBL) caught the attention of college scouts.
- NCAA Breakout with Boston College: In 2022, Post transferred to Boston College, where he averaged 15.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game in his final season. His ability to stretch the floor as a big man (shooting 36% from three) made him a unique NBA Draft prospect.
- NBA Summer League and G League: After going undrafted in 2023, Post signed with the Golden State Warriors for Summer League, showcasing his potential as a modern stretch-five. He later joined the Santa Cruz Warriors (G League), where he continued to refine his game.
- 2024 NBA Opportunity: Post’s persistence paid off when he signed a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, marking his official NBA debut. His journey underscores how non-traditional paths can still lead to the highest level.
Why Quinten Post’s Path to the NBA Is a Blueprint for Underdogs
Post’s career isn’t just a feel-good story—it’s a blueprint for athletes from non-basketball hotbeds. His success highlights three critical lessons for anyone chasing elite-level dreams:
1. The Power of Adaptability
Post didn’t fit the mold of a traditional European big man. Instead of relying solely on post-up play, he developed a three-point shot and improved his ball-handling to fit the moderBA’s emphasis on versatility. This adaptability allowed him to stand out in college and catch the eye of NBA scouts.
Takeaway: In any field, those who evolve with industry demands—rather than resisting change—create their own opportunities.
2. Leveraging Every Platform
From the Dutch Eredivisie to the NCAA to the G League, Post treated each stage as a stepping stone. He didn’t wait for a perfect opportunity; he maximized the ones he had. His Summer League performance with the Warriors, for example, was a direct result of seizing a tryout chance.
Takeaway: Progress often comes from consistent effort in “smaller” arenas before the big break arrives.
3. Overcoming the “International Bias”
European players often face stereotypes—either being labeled as “too soft” or “too unathletic” for the NBA. Post countered this by proving his physicality (averaging nearly 2 blocks per game in college) while maintaining his shooting touch. His game tape spoke louder than preconceptions.
Takeaway: Skills and results dismantle biases. Focus on what you can control: your performance.
Quinten Post’s NBA Skill Set: What Makes Him Valuable?
At 7-foot-1 with a 7-foot-4 wingspan, Post possesses the physical tools of aBA center. But his real value lies in his modern skill set—a blend of shooting, defense, and basketball IQ that aligns with today’s positionless game. Here’s what sets him apart:
1. Stretch-Big Potential
Post shot 36% from three in his final NCAA season, a rare trait for a player his size. In an era where centers like Karl-Anthony Towns and Evan Mobley thrive as floor-spacers, Post’s shooting ability makes him a mismatch nightmare. Defenses must respect his range, opening driving lanes for guards.
2. Rim Protection and Switchability
Despite his offensive skills, Post isn’t a liability on defense. He averaged 1.8 blocks per game in college and has shown the ability to switch onto guards—a must for NBA bigs. His length disrupts passing lanes, and his footwork has improved enough to handle pick-and-roll coverage.
3. High Basketball IQ
Post’s film reveals a player who understands help defense rotations, makes smart passes out of double-teams, and rarely forces shots. These intangibles are often what separate NBA role players from those who wash out.
Comparison: Post’s game draws parallels to Jonas Valančiūnas (offensive rebounding + shooting) and Isaiah Stewart (physicality + switchability), though he’s still refining his post game.
The Road Ahead: Challenges for Quinten Post in the NBA
While Post’s journey is inspiring, his NBA career isn’t guaranteed. Several hurdles could define his trajectory:
1. Athleticism and Lateral Quickness
The NBA is the most athletic league in the world. Post’s lateral movement and explosiveness will be tested against elite guards and wings. Can he stay in front of players like Ja Morant or De’Aaron Fox in switch situations?
2. Strength and Physicality
At ~230 lbs, Post isn’t overly bulky for aBA center. He’ll need to add muscle to battle with physical bigs like Bam Adebayo or Joel Embiid without losing his shooting touch.
3. Consistency and Role Definition
Many international bigs struggle with inconsistent minutes early in their careers. Post must prove he can be a reliable rotational player—whether as a stretch-five, a rim-ruer, or a defensive anchor.
Expert Opinion: NBA scout Mike Schmitz (ESPN) noted, “Post’s shooting is legit, but his defense will determine his ceiling. If he can guard in space, he’s a 10-year NBA player.”
Lessons from Quinten Post’s Journey: A Guide for Underdogs
Post’s story isn’t just about basketball—it’s about strategic career development. Here’s how aspiring athletes (or professionals in any field) can apply his principles:
1. Master the Fundamentals First
Before chasing advanced skills, Post built a foundation in footwork, shooting form, and defensive positioning. In any discipline, excellence starts with the basics.
2. Seek Feedback Relentlessly
Post credits his improvement to film study and coachability. He analyzed NBA centers like Nikola Jokić to refine his passing and Rudy Gobert to improve his rim protection. Takeaway: Find mentors and study the best in your field.
3. Treat Every Level as a Proving Ground
Whether in the Dutch league or the G League, Post played with NBA-level intensity. This mindset ensured he was ready when the opportunity arose. Takeaway: Your current role is preparation for the next one—act accordingly.
4. Develop a “Signature Skill”
For Post, it was his three-point shooting. In a crowded market, having one elite trait makes you indispensable. Identify what sets you apart and double down on it.
What’s Next for Quinten Post? Predictions and Potential
As of 2024, Post is on a two-way contract with the Lakers, splitting time between the NBA and the G League. Here’s what his future could hold:
Short-Term (2024–2025 Season)
- G League Development: Expect Post to refine his game with the South Bay Lakers, focusing on defensive versatility and playmaking.
- NBA Spot Minutes: If injuries arise, Post could earn 10–15 minutes per game as a floor-spacer and rim protector.
Long-Term (3–5 Years)
- Rotational Big Man: If he improves his lateral quickness, Post could become a $5M–$8M/year role player—similar to Isaiah Hartenstein or Andre Drummond.
- European Return? If NBA minutes don’t materialize, a lucrative EuroLeague contract (e.g., with Real Madrid or Fenerbahçe) could await.
Wildcard Scenario: If Post develops a reliable post game or playmaking, he could evolve into a Jokić-lite—a high-IQ big who facilitates offense.
Quinten Post’s Legacy: Redefining What’s Possible
Quinten Post’s journey from Amsterdam to the NBA is more than a sports story—it’s proof that geography doesn’t dictate destiny. His career challenges the notion that only players from basketball powerhouses can succeed at the highest level. Instead, it’s a reminder that opportunities are created, not given.
For Dutch basketball, Post is a pioneer. He’s part of a growing wave of Dutch talent (alongside Luuk van Bree and Yaick Franke) putting the Netherlands on the basketball map. For underdogs everywhere, he’s a symbol of what’s possible with persistence, adaptability, and self-belief.
As Post continues his NBA journey, one thing is clear: his story isn’t just about making it to the league—it’s about changing the game for those who follow.
Ready to Chase Your Own Dream?
Quinten Post’s path proves that unconventional routes can lead to extraordinary destinations. Whether you’re an athlete, entrepreneur, or creative, the principles remain the same:
- Start where you are.
- Use every platform as a stepping stone.
- Stay adaptable and relentless.
What’s your next step? Share your goals in the comments, or if you’re a basketball fan, follow Post’s journey as he redefines Dutch hoops history.
Think big. Work harder.
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