Having spent years both studying the game from the sidelines and sweating it out on the court, I’ve always been fascinated by positions that don’t always get the flashy headlines. The point guard runs the show, the center anchors the paint, but the power forward? Now, that’s a role that’s undergone one of the most dramatic evolutions in modern basketball. If you asked me twenty years ago what a power forward does, the answer was simple: rebound, set hard screens, score on put-backs, and play physical defense near the basket. Today, that job description has exploded. The modern power forward, or the “four,” as we often call it, is arguably the most versatile and demanding position on the floor. It’s a hybrid role that requires the brawn of a traditional big man and the skills of a wing player. You need to understand spacing, be a threat from the perimeter, switch onto guards on defense, and still have the toughness to battle in the post. It’s not for the faint of heart.
I was reminded of this critical, multifaceted role just recently while watching the 2025 Playtime Cares Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup. La Salle’s semifinal loss to their modern-day rival, the University of the Philippines, was a masterclass in how the power forward position can dictate the flow and outcome of a game, especially in high-stakes, knockout scenarios. While the guards handle the ball, it’s often the decisions and versatility of the fours that create the openings. In that intense matchup, you could see the battle in the trenches—the box-outs, the quick switches on pick-and-rolls, the ability to stretch the floor with a timely three-pointer. One team’s power forward being able to draw the opposing big man away from the rim can completely unravel a defensive scheme, creating driving lanes for guards. Conversely, a power forward who can’t protect the rim or step out to contest a shot becomes a liability. That La Salle loss, coming at the worst possible time, wasn’t just about missed shots or turnovers; it was a complex puzzle where every positional mismatch, including at the four-spot, was amplified under playoff pressure.
So, let’s break down the core duties. Primarily, a power forward is a team’s engine for physicality and rebounding. This isn’t just about height; it’s about leverage, timing, and sheer will. A great power forward, in my opinion, averages a double-double—say, 12 points and 10 rebounds—as a baseline. They are responsible for “cleaning the glass” on both ends, generating second-chance points offensively and limiting the opponent to one shot defensively. This requires incredible instinct and a relentless motor. I’ve always preferred power forwards who pursue every rebound with aggression, not just those that fall in their lap. Secondly, they are the cornerstone of team defense and screening. They set the majority of the bone-jarring screens to free up shooters and ball-handlers, a selfless and physically taxing job. Defensively, they must protect the paint, help on drives, and communicate switches. The modern game asks them to guard players 6’5” to 7’0” tall, from bruising post players to agile forwards on the perimeter. It’s a relentless test of athleticism and IQ.
But here’s where it gets interesting, and where my personal bias for skilled big men really shows. The third pillar of the modern power forward is scoring versatility. The era of the power forward who only operates within eight feet of the basket is over. Today, they must be a legitimate threat from the mid-range and beyond the arc. A power forward who can shoot 38% from three-point territory forces the opposing center to step out, creating chaos in the defense. They also need a reliable face-up game, able to put the ball on the floor for one or two dribbles and attack a close-out. This scoring threat opens up the entire floor for everyone else. Finally, and this is perhaps the most underrated aspect, they are critical playmaking hubs. We’re seeing more “point-forwards” who initiate offense from the high post or even the perimeter. With their size, they can see over defenders and make skilled passes to cutters or open shooters. A power forward with 3 to 4 assists per game is no longer an anomaly; it’s a weapon.
Looking back at that Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup semifinal, I’d wager the battle between the power forwards was a key, if not the deciding, factor. In a knockout game, where sets get tighter and every possession is magnified, having a four who can adapt—who can bang inside for a crucial rebound one moment and then calmly sink a trail three-pointer the next—is priceless. It’s the ultimate glue role. The loss for La Salle, at that specific moment, highlights how a deficiency or an opponent’s superiority in this versatile role can tip the scales. The power forward is no longer just a role player; they are a strategic linchpin. They bridge the gap between the interior and perimeter games, demanding a blend of old-school grit and new-school skill that defines today’s basketball. For any team with championship aspirations, finding and developing that complete modern power forward isn’t just an option; it’s an absolute necessity.
